Santa Monica College Supporting Japanese Students in Earthquake/Tsunami Aftermath

Santa Monica College administrators are supporting the school's significant Japanese student population following the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the ongoing fears surrounding potential radiation leaks at multiple nuclear power plants. The college is helping affected students locate family and friends, holding support groups and coordinating fundraisers.

"With the rest of the world, our hearts and prayers here at Santa Monica College are with the people of Japan, particularly those who have been hard-hit by the recent earthquake, tsunami and now the threat of radiation leakage from a nuclear power plant," SMC President Dr. Chui Tsang said in a statement issued Tuesday. "We are especially concerned about the many Japanese students we have here at the college, along with our large group of Japanese alumni and anyone in our college community who has relatives and friends there."

The college's International Education Center is assisting the international students with finding their family and friends in Japan, and connecting them with the Japanese Consulate in Los Angeles if they are unable to do so. The phone number for the consulate is 213-617-6700.

The center held a support-group meeting for affected students on Tuesday. A second session will take place March 24 at the IEC-Counseling House from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Campus psychologists will be there. Additional support group sessions may take place.

Also, Associate Dean of International Education Denise Kinsella and Dean of Student Life Deyna Hearn are helping students coordinate multiple fundraisers on campus. The Associated Students—SMC's student government—is also assisting with the efforts.

"I know that many of you are responding individually or working with students, to raise money for the relief effort," Tsang said. "We are all grateful for your efforts and those of our International Education Center."

The college is also pointing students to multiple charity organizations if they wish to make individual donations, UNICEF, International Medical Corps and the American Red Cross are accepting donations. Individuals can also give $10 to the Red Cross, which has efforts under way on Japan, by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999.

"SMC's strong and long-standing ties to Japan are deeply valued here at the college," Tsang said. "We will continue to keep you informed of what we are doing to help our students, our community and the people of Japan."