My initial plan for this column had been to focus on the beginning of the school year – the end of the summer, the increase in activity on campus, the influx of new students. However, the tragic events of September 11th make a focus on these seasonal variations seem trite and inappropriate.

The horrible tragedies/atrocities of the 11th have of course been overwhelming and devastating for the families and friends of the victims of the attacks, and I send my heartfelt sympathy to any commission members who may have lost loved ones. These horrible events have also had a powerful psychological and emotional impact on all of us. As college counselors, we have hopefully been able to ease the pain and anguish of many of our students during this difficult time. Especially with military response looming on the horizon, feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, confusion, and grief will linger on our campuses for some time to come. I have felt a clear awareness as I work with students on campus that, perhaps more than ever, I am helping them to work through issues that are very present in me as well. I feel I have a renewed appreciation of the critical role of mutual support among us help-givers, and I hope that all of you are experiencing such nurturing support.

Several weeks ago, I asked Dr. Cherian Verghese to write this newsletter's feature column on the experiences of international students and our work with them. While the column does not directly address the most current and immediate stresses and anxieties relevant to international students during this time of crisis, this seems like an excellent time for us to reflect upon their experiences and our provision of services to them.

As usual, this newsletter includes a column from the Commission VII Chair (Toti Perez). It also includes the Commission VII statement concerning on-line counseling. I want to thank Toti for these portions of the newsletter and Jonathan Kandell for formatting and uploading the newsletter to the Web.

Matt Torres, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Clinical Services
American University Counseling Center