RISE 2019 Conference
Transforming University Engagement In Pre- and Post-Disaster Environments: Lessons from Puerto Rico
Students Displaced by Disaster: Stories from the ground: Students Displaced by Disaster
Time: 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM, November 18
Location: Student Success Center - Campus Center
When a major disaster happens, students are often among the most vulnerable. After the impact of hurricane Maria, many universities from the mainland generously opened their doors to students that lost everything and were unable to come back to the classroom. Sometimes, their classrooms did not exist anymore. Although very well intentioned, host universities realized very quickly that unanticipated situations threatened the stability and the wellbeing of these climate refugees, from requesting official transcripts from institutions that lack electric service, to the lack of mental health services for young individuals that were alone in a different cultural and physical environment. This panel examines the experiences of displaced students and those of individuals in the mainland that were trying to make the transition possible and less painful.
Moderator
