Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Westmont College Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding Montecito Tea Fire


Academics

How will physics majors be affected?

Please wait for updates on the Web site.

Is the yearbook picture deadline postponed?

All college deadlines will be affected by the fire and new dates will be issued accordingly.

Do I need to buy a new choir robe? May I get a discount or have it paid for me?

Each department will assess replacement ability as needed and communicate to effected students.

What about if my books and school work were lost in the fire?

Each professor is aware of students in their classes who would have been affected by the fire. They will determine on the first day of classes what the needs are for each class such as sharing notes, books, etc. Westmont's textbook provider is providing students' books free of charge to the bookstore and the bookstore will overnight them to the students' homes in the coming days.

What is the schedule is for registration for Spring 2009?

Registration starts Dec 1, and will follow the original plan.

When does second semester start?

Classes begin Jan 12th, students are welcomed back Jan 10th as previously planned.

When will classes start?

Classes will start on Monday, Dec. 1st with more information posted on the web as know.

Will art students be allowed to pick up their art on Tuesday?

No.

Will my college units count this semester?

Faculty are working to accommodate all course work for their classes and students to complete the academic requirements for the semester.

Will the orchestra still have its concert? What about Christmas party?

We will continue with these events.

What is happening to Preview Days students' belongings?

The college will box and ship (at no charge) belongings left on campus when Preview Days students had to depart.

Assistance

How can I donate clothing or items to people displaced?

The most helpful thing is to donate $ at this point which can be directed to affected people for them to purchase items they would need. With specific items please email assist@westmont.edu

Where can I make a monetary donation?

If you would like to make a credit card donation, please donate online, or call Delia Csipkay at (805) 565-7053. Checks can me made out to:

Westmont College
Wildfire Relief
955 La Paz Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Automobile damange

How many and where were the cars destroyed by the fire?

There was only one vehicle destroyed by the fire in the Page parking lot and it was from a visiting student

Auxiliary Services

What about my mail in the Post Office?

Mail was removed from the Post Office to protect it. You may request that it be forwarded by going to Auxiliary services, but keep in mind that there may be a delay which would result in delivery past Dec. 1

Cleaning

Are there any professional cleaning companies in SB that families could drop off their stuff?

ServiceMaster: 963-1365
Servpro: 963-0606
Ward Restoration: 501-0080

Counseling

When will mental/emotional resources be posted on-line for students and families?

Information for mental/emotional support is posted on the Westmont Web page. In addition, the counselors will provide additional hours for the remainder of the semester and process groups which students can attend.

Dining Commons

Will there be food vouchers for students while the DC is shut down?

955 La Paz Rd.

Financial

How do I wire $ to my son/daughter?

Contact your bank for this question or through Western Union

Future

What are ideas to rebuild?

At this point there is not a specific plan but many considerations in the future

Housing

Are we demolishing Clark M and S?

They will be rebuilt in parallel with Phase 1 construction.

Did washers survive the fire in S?

No they did not.

How bad was the smoke damage in the halls?

Each hall had varying levels of smoke damage. The professional cleaning crew is doing an amazing job removing the smoke from the rooms and then individual clothing and bedding will need to be washed by each student. Contact your insurance for coverage on this.

Is there any way for people to return after this Wed and before Dec 1st to get their stuff? This is being asked by families who are further away (4 plus hours)?

Yes - make arrangements with Student Life via an email to stulife or calling the 888-565-7911.

Was there water damage in Clark M & S?

Clark M & S had severe water and fire damage.

Will mattresses and rugs that have been smoke-damaged be replaced?

All items unable to be cleaned by the cleaning service will be assessed and replaced as needed.

Can someone else pick up my stuff Tuesday or Wednesday if I'm unable to come?

The resident would need to contact the RA or RD to authorize a person to pick the items up.

Were bikes damaged in Page?

4 bikes parked near Page were damaged.

What about other dorms?

All residence halls besides CL, S and M, and PG C338, 340, C238,240 are fine and inhabitable. There will likely smoke damage but rooms are inhabitable and items will be able to be retrieved at a soon to be announced date and time.

What about rotting food in Clark fridges?

The students will need to clean them out when they return after Thanksgiving break.

What dorms are effected by the fire?

CL S, CL M, and PG C238, C240, C338, C340.

Where will displaced students be housed?

We are working to keep the sections of students together and on campus and on a modular dorm that will be placed in the Clark property for the residents.

Will college insurance cover damaged student belongings?

College insurance will not cover students' personal property. We suggest contacting your insurance company as parents' homeowners insurance will often cover these losses. A recovery service has been engaged to clean each room. Students are invited to come to campus and retrieve their valuables on Tues and Wed before the cleaning commences.

Information Technology

What about if I lost my student ID?

The IT department is working on getting replacement IDs for students who have lost them. Please send an email to cst@westmont.edu with your request if it is lost.

When I go to www.westmont.edu, I end up at disaster.westmont.edu - what should I do?

The old address is saved in your computer. Reboot your computer and flush the cache in your browser.

Lost Stuff

Where is Lost & Found on campus?

See Ginny Murray at Physical Plant 565-6105

Parking

Will people get parking tickets for coming to campus to help students move their stuff?

No, they will not be issued tickets but vehicles will only be allowed on campus a short time and not allowed to remain parked.

Personal Belongings

What if all clothes smelly should they take them?

Students will be allowed to take only a couple of bags -- i.e. not all of their things-- so will most likely be unable to take all of their clothing. They will be able to address smoke smell when they return by washing clothes after Thanksgiving break.

Safety

How is the air/water quality? Any toxins from the Physics Building?

The air quality is a bit smoky but face masks are not required any more. We will have some masks provided for individuals with respiratory issues as a precaution. There is no danger from the Physics building. Water quality is good.

Shuttle

Is the shuttle working or dial-a-ride?

Shuttle service is not running now. It will resume on Nov. 29th at 9:30. Dial-a-ride will begin at 10am on the 11/29 and might start earlier if needed. Dial-a-ride will continue to operate through the Thanksgiving Break for faculty, staff, and students. 565-7000 or 455-6630 for appointments.

Will there be airport transportation to and from Thanksgiving break?

Dial-a-ride will help with students who come into SBA and Amtrak. They will need to call to make a reservation (455-6630). Students who use Santa Barbara Airbus will be picked up by the shuttle at stop #2 Mar Monte. Students who choose not to use Dial-a-Ride from Amtrak can walk a couple of blocks to stop #3 corner of State Street and Cabrillo Blvd. Students who come in by Greyhound but don't call Dial-a-Ride, can walk a few blocks to stop #3 Pasea Nuevo. This is similar to all holiday transportation services for students.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Followers

Archive

 

Pablo Emmanuel Otaola. Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved Revolution Two Church theme by Brian Gardner Converted into Blogger Template by Bloganol dot com