Chancellor Victor Boschini reached out to students Tuesday to share a message of generosity for those affected by the destruction of Hurricane Harvey.

With rain still falling in much of south Texas, Boschini encouraged anyone with a, “sense of duty to help those affected by the storm,” to make donations to either the Red Cross or to the Frog Family Crisis Fund if they would like to help specifically TCU students and their families hurt by the storm. Boschini said that nearly 900 students on campus come from counties in the path of the storm.

To donate to the Frog Family Crisis Fund visit makeagift.tcu.edu, select “other” as the designation and then on the next screen enter “Frog Family Crisis Fund.” Boschini said the specific aid this fund will provide is still being explored as they, “keep learning of new things that might be of help to our students/families in the area.” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kathy Cavins-Tull and Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Don Whelan are currently working together on this project.

“Over the past few days, we have watched Hurricane Harvey devastate large parts of our state on an unprecedented scale,” Cavins-Tull said. “As ethical leaders and responsible citizens, we feel a sense of duty to help those affected by the storm.”

Boschini said that the needs of people are changing rapidly, but TCU is staying on top of the situation.

“In coming days, and perhaps weeks, new challenges related to the storm and its aftermath are almost certain to arise,” Boschini wrote. “We will continue to monitor needs and assist agencies providing shelter, food and recovery resources, wherever we can.”

Part of that effort includes the launching of a new website dedicated to the TCU relief effort for Hurricane Harvey at sds.tcu.edu/hurricanerelief/. The site contains information on how to volunteer in the area, how to donate money, supplies and blood and the new email [email protected] for anyone needing more information or who is organizing a donation event.

“I encourage our campus community to get involved and contribute to the Hurricane Harvey relief effort in a way that is most appropriate for you—whether through monetary or supply donations or by volunteering your time, thoughts, prayers and energy,” Cavins-Tull said. “To all Horned Frogs and their families who have been directly affected by the storm—TCU stands with you during this challenging time.”

TCU has already opened its doors to share the school’s football facilities with the Rice University team who were traveling for an away game and unable to get back to their home campus. The Campus Apartments are also hosting a donation drive to collect monetary and supply donations for the Red Cross and Trusted World. They are asking for new underwear and socks, non-perishable food, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and moving boxes. People can take their donations to the Tom Brown / Pete Wright Commons Building.

“I offer profound gratitude to those who have already come forward with resources and ideas,” Cavins-Tull said. “I remain thankful to be part of the Horned Frog Family, a family that readily steps up to take care of each other, and to be a force for the greater good.”

In addition to seeking help from the TCU community, Boschini offered resources for anyone struggling emotionally with the devastation in Houston. Students can contact the Brown-Lupton Counseling Center, the Religious and Spiritual Life staff or the Office of Campus Life to set up an appointment to talk. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Boschini recommended talking to these people for any students who find it hard to concentrate on their classes because of concern for their families. Boschini also recommended students having a frank conversation with their professors about their situation, and to reach out to their friends and personal support groups.

“Lots of times they will want to discuss these things with you, but are waiting for you to make the first opening to ensure it is OK with you,” Boschini said. “In other words – remember that one of the hallmarks of TCU is our connectivity.  Use that connectivity during these stressful times.”

As for the parents that students are thinking of, Boschini said that those he has talked to are offering messages of support to TCU students too.

“The universal message they are saying, basically, just please keep my child safe and in school,” Boschini said.

For faculty and staff emotionally affected by the storm, there is the Employee Assistance Program which provides assistance and referrals at no cost, 24/7.

“Please take care of yourselves and each other,” Boschini wrote. “We ask each of you to hold our coastal Horned Frogs and neighbors in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve and recover.”

For any prospective students affected by the storm, the Dean of Admission Heath Einstein offered to waive application fees, extend deadlines and offer college counseling services.

“At this time of devestation, college applications may be the last thing on your mind,” Einstein said. “We certainly undertsand. Know that as the days and weeks unfold, we stand ready to assist in any way possible.”

To those affected by #HurricaneHarvey, our thoughts are with you and we are here to help pic.twitter.com/XQysbNb8Ne

— TCU Admission (@TCUAdmission) August 29, 2017