The University has not heard from any students who might have been affected by the tsunami disaster and are unable to return to Charlottesville, International Studies Director Rebecca Brown said yesterday.
After the disaster, the University sent a mass e-mail to students with residences in Southeast Asia expressing condolences and extending support, but the e-mail did not specifically ask students to respond.
"We have not heard any information regarding students unable to return to U.Va.," Brown said. "We are not aware of any students who have not been able to come back. We think of this as good news."
Brown said federal law requires colleges and universities at the beginning of each semester to verify that previously enrolled students returned. The University planned to use final registration numbers to determine if students from tsunami-affected areas had completed the semester enrollment process.
"We would have known by now if students had not returned," Brown said.
Brown said she is not aware of any students who have suffered complications or of any students' families who have been affected in the wake of the disaster.
"Nobody wrote and said they had difficulties," Brown said.
Students also have not made requests for appointments to speak with the University Counseling and Psychological Services for support, although students still are encouraged to speak with a CAPS staff member if necessary, Brown said.
"CAPS is ready and prepared and has not received any requests," she added.
CAPS Assistant Director Lenny Carter said CAPS has become aware of a couple of students who have been affected.
"Obviously, we do want to encourage people to come in and make use of our services," Carter said.
In the aftermath of a disaster, Carter said sometimes people have a propensity to resume a normal life and do not seek counseling services.
"Sometimes people do not begin to see effects until later," Carter said. "People need to be mindful of that."
Carter said it is important to recognize that seeking counseling services after a tragedy is a Western perspective other cultures might not see as an option.
"People might be more hesitant to seek help, and that is something we need to be respectful of," Carter said.
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