On behalf of our faculty, staff and students, the University of California would like to express profound sympathy and concern to our colleagues in the higher education community in Houston and surrounding areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The challenges of catastrophic flooding and devastation will no doubt mount as the communities, colleges and universities navigate the uncertainty and challenges of embarking on a new school year. UC pledges its support and assistance to those in need, as the work to provide relief, unite and rebuild the community begins in the coming days.
In the last few days, members of the UC community have reached out to colleagues in higher education in the Houston area to offer assistance and support. We are presently working with the more than 100 students entering our university in the fall, who may need early accommodations as a result of being displaced by the effects of Tropical Storm Harvey. The Office of the President is coordinating this effort on behalf of the 10 campus system.
In addition, we are mobilizing UC research and faculty resources to assist in the aftermath of the hurricane and stand ready to assist with health care and emergency response resources. The University of California is part of a formal inter-state mutual aid agreement and has mechanisms in place to send trained personnel to respond (only upon request) to provide specialized services and expertise to areas affected by major disasters.
Our medical centers are in the process of engaging with blood collection organizations to build up reserves for those in need.
In addition, we have shared ways for our employees to get involved and contribute to the Hurricane Harvey relief effort by donating to organizations such as the American Red Cross, Feeding Texas, the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund (administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation) and United Way.
We will continue to monitor the events in Houston and assess where we can lend support or assist.