Statement on the Recent Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

The University of Alabama’s College of Education extends its deepest sympathy and care, along with solidarity and support, to all faculty, staff, and students whose lives and families have been affected by the devasting earthquakes that affected Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.

This was the deadliest earthquake event in the world in over 20 years, and the most destructive in Turkey’s recorded history. It has resulted in significant loss of life, substantial injuries, extensive damage, and widespread destruction of family homes, community businesses and schools, and medical facilities. This disaster will have far-reaching impacts on members of our UA COE community now and into the future.

Here are some ways that UA COE community members might offer support to those affected:

If you are an instructor:

Help your students to know that you understand that the events in Turkey and Syria may have affected them, their families, and their friends, and that they are welcome to communicate with you about needing support and/or accommodations at this time (e.g., flexible deadlines, discussion of helpful resources). These events can be extremely stressful, and faculty members’ compassion and support are invaluable to the College’s students. You may also connect them to a range of student services, including:

• Student financial support program: https://bamacares.sa.ua.edu/student-assistance/emergency-assistance/
• Student emergencies or adverse events resources: https://bamacares.sa.ua.edu/student-assistance/acts-of-kindness/
• Student counseling services: https://counseling.sa.ua.edu/

If you are a faculty/staff supervisor:

Express to faculty, staff, and other supervisees who may have been affected by the events in Turkey and Syria that, in addition to being welcome to talk to you if needed, there are resources available to them through the university:

• Faculty/Staff well-being resources: https://hr.ua.edu/wellness-work-life
• Faculty/Staff mental and emotional health resources: https://hr.ua.edu/mental-health-services

As a colleague:

If you know peers who have been impacted by these events, check on them, let them know that you care about their well-being and the ways that they have been affected. Ask how you might support them during this time.

Donate:

In addition to the formal and informal support that we can provide to our COE community, there are other ways to help with the humanitarian crisis created by the earthquake, if you are able. Some reputable organizations whose resources directly aid affected areas and people are:

• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: https://donation.ifrc.org/?campaign=3f5f91aa-e8da-e911-80e2-0050560100a8
• The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations: https://www.uossm.org/donate
• The Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC: http://washington.emb.mfa.gov.tr/Mission/ShowAnnouncement/400327
• Islamic Relief USA: https://irusa.org/middle-east/turkey/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=turkey&utm_source=google-ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_term=islamic%20relief&device=c&network=g&placement=&creative=432102396449&matchtype=p&targetid=kwd-253623304&&campaign_id=630356562&ad_group_id=29450227136&gclid=CjwKCAiAlp2fBhBPEiwA2Q10D0odd-1htROJ8Eybka4MFfUHgkdoNTZwS_DnHAGTOtlPk7LljiVcNBoCEFIQAvD_BwE