Update on California Wildfires

Resources Available for USD Community Members Impacted

USD continues to monitor developments from the devastating wildfires in and around the Los Angeles area. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with those impacted by the fires and the first responders working tirelessly to support those impacted. At our daily Masses in Founders Chapel, we will continue to remember and pray for all those affected.

We know many members of our USD community - students, employees, alumni and friends - are from affected areas or have connections to those who may be impacted. The list below includes resources for students and employees, ways to support those affected, and emergency preparedness procedures for our campus. Additional information and resources will be added to this page as needed. 

USD Resources for Students

Resources are available for students who have been directly impacted by these fires and need additional support:

• The Counseling Center is available to students for confidential individual counseling and assessments through mywellness.sandiego.edu or by phone at (619) 260-4655.
• University Ministry is available to provide spiritual, mental and emotional support by contacting (619) 260-4735 or by visiting Founders Hall 20.
• TimelyCare is virtual, confidential and available 24/7 free of charge for USD students and can be accessed by downloading the free app via the USD Be Well website.
• Military Connected Students: The VA is closely monitoring the California Wildfires. If you want to know how VA can help, or you want to check on your local facility, call 1-800-MYVA411 or visit the VA disaster help website.
• Residential Life/Housing: If you are needing to return to campus housing sooner than expected, you are welcome to do so, at no additional cost, by applying through the 2025 Intersession housing application on the housing portal. Please indicate in the comments section of the application that you are returning early due to impact from the fires. 
• Academic Questions: For Intersession classes, please contact your instructor or contact the Summer and Intersession office at sio@sandiego.edu. 
• Graduate students can access resources through the Graduate Student Life office or contact Gradlife@sandiego.edu.  
• Support is also available through the Torero Connect Counselors (first-year students) or Torero Hub.
• If you need to take a leave of absence, you can learn more about this process through the Center for Student Success. 
• Financial Needs: If you are financially impacted, you can access the financial aid appeal form. Contact Student Accounts for information on financial aid advances or delays to payment deadlines. 
• Students in Need Fund and Torero Pantry: If you are in need of a small emergency grant to support academic progress, please review the Student in Need Fund Application. Resources are also available through the Torero Food Pantry.

USD Resources for Employees

Many of our USD employees may be personally impacted by the wildfires or may be offering shelter and assistance to those in need. If you are housing evacuees, have experienced property loss, or need to assist loved ones affected by the fires, USD has encouraged managers to offer flexibility and time off as needed.

Employees facing any specific challenges or need additional support shouldn’t hesitate to contact their managers or Human Resources. Benefit-based employees and their household members can also contact our Employee Assistance Program for support: Cigna EAP - (877) 622-4327 or mycigna.com (Employer ID: usd).

Ways to Support Those Impacted

The Los Angeles Times has compiled a list of programs and organizations supporting those impacted by the wildfires. 

USD student groups are also organizing efforts to support those in need - additional details will be added to this page as they become available.

Emergency Preparedness and Prevention

USD's Department of Public Safety is monitoring the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services for any reported impacts related to the current wind and wildfire event locally. If there are threats to the university community, Public Safety will keep the community advised.

It is important for all members of the USD community to regularly review emergency preparedness procedures, including instructions specifically for wildfires. 

— USD News Center