SCU offers support for international students

Southern Cross University (SCU) has set up a support service for students who may have been affected by the devastating Boxing Day tsunami which has left up to 150,000 dead and millions homeless.

Pro Vice Chancellor Enterprise and International Professor Angela Delves said the university had moved quickly to contact students who might have been in the region, but there remained grave concerns about one student in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan student had returned home for the holidays but staff have been unable to make contact with him.

Professor Delves said two other Australian SCU students who were working in Thailand were safe and on their way home.

“As far as we know none of our other international students or their families have been affected. We have made contact by phone and email and have been in touch with their networks in Australia,” Professor Delves said.

“But, so many of them go home for Christmas we are still apprehensive. We have set up a phone line for international students and we are offering counselling.”

Professor Delves said as well as international students who come from the region, it was possible other students could have been holidaying in the area.

“We don’t know where all of our students go over the holidays. We are following up as many as we can.

“We are extremely saddened by this devastating event and will provide whatever support we can to students who are affected.”

Professor Delves said the university was also planning how it could best utilise the academic expertise within SCU to make a specific contribution to the victims.