SCU MOVES TO SUPPORT AMERICAN STUDENTS

Southern Cross University has extended its deepest sympathy to citizens of the United States of America affected by the tragic events in New York and Washington and has taken steps to ensure that all necessary support is given to the approximately 100 American students presently studying at its campuses.

Professor Angela Delves, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Enterprise & International), said the University had put in place a range of measures to assist and support visiting US students. It is working to ascertain whether any friends or family members of students had been directly affected by the terrorist attacks.

"Assistance and counselling is available through our Residential Colleges in Lismore and Coffs Harbour, as well as the SCU Counselling Service and our International Office," she said.

Professor Delves added that SCU's International Office and Residential Colleges had made available their ISD lines to help American students make contact with their relatives and friends in the US. "The International Office is also fielding any calls from the US on an ongoing basis," she said, "and the Colleges are offering support to all students in this time of need. I have asked staff and students of the University to assist our American visitors in all ways possible during this very difficult period and to offer them any help or support that they might need."

Professor Delves said that to the best of the University's knowledge, none of its staff members presently in the USA had been immediately affected by the devastating attacks.

For further information, please contact Professor Angela Delves on (02) 6620 3432 or Mr. Robin Osborne, Media Officer, on (02) 6620 3039 or 0418 431 484.