Supporting the Harper community during times of conflict

The Harper College community reflects our global community, with students and employees having connections to every part of the world, including Ukraine and Russia. There are many people in our community who are personally impacted by the war in Ukraine, and many more who are feeling the tremendous weight and anxiety of recent events.

As an institution of higher education, let us remind ourselves of our responsibility to foster an environment of deeper understanding and empathy toward one another. In the wake of extensive divide and distress, we must come together and reaffirm a sense of belonging for everyone in the Harper community.

We have reached out to our international students from both Ukraine and Russia to lend our support and resources. For any members of the Harper community who need assistance, please know that resources are available to you:

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration):

• National Helpline: 800.662.4357
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 800.985.5990

Student resource:

• Counseling Services provides support to students virtually and in-person.

Employee resource:

• Workplace Solutions, Harper’s Employee Assistance Program, offers employees a variety of confidential resources at no cost. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See additional information (Code: Harper).

Relief Efforts and Support:

• Hawks for Hope: Crisis in Ukraine – This is a collaborative, student-initiated and led effort to support Project Hope, a global health and humanitarian relief organization. All donations collected will be forwarded to help Ukrainian citizens and refugees affected by the current crisis in Ukraine. The goal is to raise $10,000. Visit an on-campus information table, April 7-21, to learn more. Donations are also being accepted via the Harper Box Office.
• Students looking to participate in planning should contact Student Engagement.
• Learn more ways to support the Ukraine crisis. 
• Harper hosted a Community Pulse Check In: Crisis in Ukraine on March 15
  All were invited to attend Community Pulse Check In: Crisis in Ukraine from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 in the Building A Student Center Lounge – A236. A virtual option of this event will be offered for students from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 18. Harper College counselors will be in attendance. Virtual option; meeting number: 2481 823 8277; password: CommunityPulse.

Additionally, Student Engagement is planning a community check-in. More details will be announced as plans are finalized.

Forward together,

Dr. Avis Proctor
President, Harper College