UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — University resources are available to Penn State faculty, staff and students impacted by the shooting that took place at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood today (Oct. 27).
“The Penn State community is terribly saddened by this senseless tragedy,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims, police officers, family and friends of the members of the congregation and the entire Jewish community.”
Penn State’s Beaver, New Kensington and Greater Allegheny campuses are located in the Pittsburgh region, and many faculty, staff and students at other campuses are from the city. University officials will be reaching out to students from the affected area to offer them Penn State’s student support services and provide other assistance as required.
Penn State Hillel and Chabad of Penn State have issued a statement, and have announced a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m., Oct. 29 in front of Old Main on the University Park campus.
The following resources are available to members of the Penn State community impacted by today’s events:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available at each of Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses.
- The Penn State Crisis Line (1-877-229-6400) is a 24/7 toll-free service staffed by licensed professionals available to all Penn Staters at University Park and Commonwealth Campuses
- Community member can also text the 24/7 Crisis Text Line by texting “LIONS” to 741741.
- The Penn State Employee Assistance Program, through the EAP+Work/Life program, offers short-term counseling from licensed EAP professionals, by phone, email or in person to help employees better cope with personal, family and work issues. EAP also offers access to Personal Health Advocates, who can help navigate healthcare and insurance systems, efficiently and dependably. More information is available at https://hr.psu.edu/health-matters/employee-assistance-program.