Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer Toggle Navigation Menu

Support for Students Impacted by Ongoing Conflict, Natural Disaster, or Displacement

At any given time, a noteworthy number of Macalester students, both international and domestic, are confronting the difficult realities of conflict, war, natural disasters, or unforeseen crises affecting their homes, families, or loved ones. Juggling the demands of academic life while navigating the uncertainty of such circumstances is an immense challenge that warrants attention and support.

Although the needs of each student are unique, the resources outlined here can serve as an initial framework for providing care, enhancing support, and drawing on the strengths of the Macalester community during times of crisis.

RESOURCES/INFORMATION

  • What Impacted Students May Experience

    In the Immediate Term:

    • Witnessing illness or injury to loved ones or to their communities from afar
    • Loss of important data, belongings, or place of residence
    • Unexpected death of a loved one
    • Loss of or inconsistent contact with loved ones or limited opportunities to communicate
    • Visa / status concerns
    • Inability to return home / loved ones’ inability to visit
    • Witnessing destruction of known, symbolic, or sentimental sites or landmarks

    In the Long Term:

    • Difficulty making decisions
    • Difficulty identifying or making sense of emotions
    • News cycle addiction
    • Frustration with uninvited curiosity about their situation
    • Frustration with lack of space or time to process on their own terms
    • Feelings of alienation
    • Distancing from friends / acquaintances or changing social groups
    • Survivor’s guilt 
    • Unresolved grief or lack of closure
    • Lack of focus, motivation, and reduced executive functioning 
    • Sleep issues

    Check out these resources: Tip Sheet For Impacted Students (Hamre Center) | Quick Tools to De-Stress (The Jed Foundation) | Self Care Map (BEAM)
  • Tips For Staff and Faculty Supporting Impacted Students

    • As much as possible, try to work with students to better understand their needs. In an emergency, please refer to Emergency Care , Find Help, or Whom To Contact.
    • Activation or distress can show up differently for every student and may be inconsistent. Sometimes a student’s behavior may not match your expectation of a response appropriate to the situation. Address changing behavior without taking things personally.
    • Participation and / or attendance may be a challenge during times of crisis. Acknowledge absences or delayed responses without judgement, and provide options and / or resource reminders in your communication with students of concern.
    • Check out this helpful resource from MN Private College Council:  Understanding the Footprint of Disasters: Applying Principles of Disaster Behavioral Health.
  • Student FAQ

    • Do I have to share details of what I’m going through in order to receive help?
      • Resources are available to anyone for any reason. You are encouraged to provide only the details you feel comfortable sharing. Providing information about your circumstances can assure you are connected with the appropriate resources. 
      • The Hamre Center for Health and Well-being and the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (CRSL) both provide confidential staff support (counselors or chaplains) and resource options.
    • I’m not able to take a leave of absence, but I’m not able to focus on my classes either. What should I do?
      • Loss of focus is normal in stressful situations. Consider talking with your professors directly, scheduling an intake appointment with the Center for Disability Resources, or scheduling a counseling appointment in the Hamre Center to discuss options and supportive resources.
    • Can the Macalester Emergency Aid Program cover flights for my family members?
      • At this time, emergency aid does not cover flights for students’ family members. For more information about the Emergency Aid Program, and what types of expenses can be covered, please visit the Emergency Aid Program page.
    • I’m directly impacted by a conflict / crisis, but I’m struggling to share my experience with my peers. I’m concerned about being misunderstood, judged, or treated unfairly if I share my perspective. How do I find support?