May 24, 2014
A Message to our UC Santa Barbara community from Interim Executive Vice Chancellor Joel Michaelsen and Senate Chair Kum-Kum Bhavnani
Dear Community Members:
It is with heavy hearts that we write to you this morning. As many of you are already aware, there was a tragic incident last night in Isla Vista. Details are still emerging about the shooting and the University will be sending out updates throughout the day.
We have been informed that several students were transported to the hospital last night with injuries. The Sheriff’s department has also reported that there were at least seven fatalities, including the perpetrator, but we do not have any additional information at this time. Our hearts go out to the families and friends who are grieving and mourning today. We will be updating UCSB.edu with information as it becomes available.
The University has been providing counseling for community members and housing for displaced students. Students and community members can call (805) 893-4411 to speak to a counselor, and Student Affairs staff and counselors are available in the Student Resource Building for those wishing to talk with someone in person.
The University has also set up a call center at (805) 893-3901 for community members and parents with questions.
We are grateful to the first responders who handled the incident, including the sheriff’s department and our UCSB officers. The investigation is ongoing and we will continue to work with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Barbara County officials and our colleagues at Santa Barbara City College.
Our university community is united in sorrow at these tragic events.
Sincerely,
Joel Michaelsen
Interim Executive Vice Chancellor
Kum-Kum Bhavnani
Academic Senate Chair