We at Fresno Pacific University continue to monitor the fires in our neighboring mountain communities and are praying for all residents, including students, faculty and staff of the university who live in these areas. We all understand the fires add another layer of stress to an already uncertain time, and we remain hopeful and prayerful for safety during these events.
We will do our best to assist students, faculty and staff directly impacted by the fires with access to emergency resources such as food, housing, clothing and counseling. Students are asked to reach out to the Campus Life Office at StudentLife.Department@fresno.edu or 559-453-2073. Staff and faculty should contact the Office of the President by emailing Gwen Burks at gwen.burks@fresno.edu or 559-453-2010. Students should also contact their instructors and staff their supervisors.
Faculty are receiving guidance and assistance on ways to as flexible as possible with options for completing coursework. In any emergency a student might face that impacts course completion, faculty will take a compassionate, case-by-case approach to determine which of the available protocols (an extension, incomplete, etc.) is most appropriate for the situation.
Many in the FPU community are familiar with the beloved university owned cabin, Casa Pacifica, located in Shaver Lake. We are saddened to inform the community that Casa has been lost to the Creek Fire. It's apparent that Casa held a special place in the hearts of the FPU community, including countless alumni. Please continue to share photos and special memories of your time spent at Casa and tag us on social media.
For timely updates, students, faculty and staff are asked to check their Fresno Pacific email regularly. Please join us in keeping our neighboring mountain communities in your prayers as the brave first responders work to contain the Creek Fire and care for the injured. I am reminded of the wisdom and comfort of Deuteronomy 31:8: “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” May God grant us all peace and wisdom.
Sincerely,
Joseph Jones, Ph.D.
President