Southern California wildfires

Jan. 10, 2025

Dear students, staff and faculty,

The devastating wildfires in Southern California are impacting hundreds of our CU Boulder community members.

More than 800 students enrolled at CU Boulder are from areas of Los Angeles impacted by the fires, and many of us know family, friends and colleagues affected by the fires or evacuations. For others, the situation may stir painful memories of the Marshall Fire and other tragedies across the nation and the world.

My deepest sympathy goes to all of those affected by the fires. CU Boulder is committed to supporting our community’s needs during this time.

What we are doing

  • We are asking faculty and staff to grant maximum flexibility to students who are impacted regarding course attendance, assignment deadlines, research participation and other academic work. 
  • We are asking everyone to be flexible with and supportive of impacted faculty and staff colleagues regarding teaching assignments, research and creative work deadlines and logistics, and service commitments. Campus does offer leave options for those impacted by natural disasters.  
  • Student Affairs is contacting students and families with Los Angeles-area addresses to provide resources and offer support.
    • If you know of a CU Boulder student who has been directly impacted by the fires and needs support, please refer them through our Wildfire Resourcing and Support Form, so our teams can reach out directly to help. 
  • Human Resources is coordinating with unit HR liaisons and supervisors to contact faculty and staff who may live in the Los Angeles area to provide support and resources.
  • Campus leaders have reached out to their counterparts at UCLA, USC, and CalTech to offer moral and material support for their communities and research missions, and will continue to do so as we learn of impacts to other partners.

Ways to give and get help

Our community knows firsthand the emotional, psychological and material challenges of a devastating fire. As Buffs, we also know the importance of helping others and caring for ourselves. Please make use of, or consider donating to, the campus resources below: 

For more information, please contact Buff Info, the university’s centralized point of contact for questions and resources. I am grateful for all of you and the ways you care for members of the Buff community in times of need.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Justin Schwartz