91̽»¨

Here in Washington, many of us are beginning to feel a sense of relief as vaccinations become widely available and turning the cornerÌýon the COVID-19 pandemic is within our reach. But for many of our faculty, staff and students – especially those with ties to India – this is a frightening and tragic time as that nation grapples withÌýanÌýongoing and escalating COVID crisis. To our community members from India,Ìýas well as those who have friends, colleagues and loved ones there, know that I and the members of the 91̽»¨community are thinking of you and your community.

India is home to nearly a thousand current 91̽»¨students – one of the largest concentrations of international students at our University – and as India faces the rapid rise in new COVID cases and fatalities, we recognize that this will be an especially stressful time for our Indian students.ÌýFor anyone looking for ways to support relief efforts in India,ÌýÌýthat are working toÌýaddressÌýthisÌýhumanitarian crisis.

Additionally, if you are a student, faculty or staff member currently living in India, IÌýwant to reassure you thatÌýthe UniversityÌýwill have vaccines available throughout summer and fall, so if you aren’t able to be vaccinated in India, a vaccine will be available to you throughÌý 91̽»¨MedicineÌýor other area providers here in Washington.ÌýInternational students will also find updates on coronavirus information through ourÌý.Ìý

Above all, remember that wherever you are and whatever your situation, you are not alone, and we are here for you today and in the weeks and months ahead. I ask everyone in our 91̽»¨family to be mindful of how the crisis in India may be affecting our friends, classmates and colleagues. AÌýtragedyÌýof this magnitude can affect us in different and sometimes unexpected ways, so please don’t hesitate to askÌýforÌýhelp if you need it. In the sidebar, you’ll find a list of resources to support you.ÌýI know that, as always, our community will be there for one another through this difficult time.Ìý