ISSS and Campus Support for our Iranian Community

October 7, 2022

Dear international Longhorns,

We have been following with great concern the unrest in Iran and acknowledge members of our community may be experiencing distress with this situation. During unsettling times, your thoughts may turn to family and friends far from Austin or other related concerns. We would like to emphasize the on-campus support available to anyone who may be impacted:

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has advisors available to assist you, whether you have personal concerns, questions about your immigration status, or need to know what campus resources are available for your specific needs. Additionally, should you find yourself in an unexpected financial situation due to the ongoing crisis in Iran, you may be eligible to apply for ISSS emergency financial support. Email us at intlinsurance@austin.utexas.edu to request further details about emergency aid.

• Student Emergency Services (SES) provides assistance to students navigating challenging or unexpected issues that impact their well-being and academic success. You can reach them at 512-471-5017 or by email at studentemergency@austin.utexas.edu.
   
• Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) has a confidential crisis line with professional counselors who will spend time addressing your immediate concerns. The crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days in a year, at 512-471-2255. To schedule a regular appointment, call 512-471-3515.
   
• Drop-in support groups are also available at CMHC for students from Iran. Groups are held on Thursdays, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meet in the lobby of the Student Services Building (SSB), and CMHC staff will take you to the Main Conference Room on the 5th floor. Participants come together to have tea and talk to connect with fellow Iranians and engage in yoga practice for stress reduction. This group is led by a Persian-speaking Iranian American therapist.
   
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has confidential counseling services for benefits-eligible employees. You can schedule an appointment by email at eap@austin.utexas.edu or call 512-471-3366.  A crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days in a year at 512-471-3399.

Advisors in ISSS are here for you. Please reach out to us for any support you may need.

Warm regards,

Sonia Feigenbaum, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Chief International Officer
Texas Global | The University of Texas at Austin

Margaret Y. Luévano
Director
International Student and Scholar Services
Texas Global | The University of Texas at Austin