In the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris Friday that killed at least 129 and wounded more than 300 people, all members of the BU community known to be visiting Paris are safe and accounted for. Joseph Finkhouse, Global Programs associate director of health, safety, and security, says the University has reached out to all students in the Paris program. BU is closely following State Department security recommendations, he says, and so far has made no decision to cut the Paris program short.

He says the University is aware of 15 students in its Paris-based Study Abroad program, as well as 4 law students; there were also 5 students from the Madrid program and 6 from the London program visiting Paris at the time of the attack. There were two faculty members in Paris, one of whom has left the city. A College of Arts & Sciences student returned to the United States shortly before the attacks on Friday. All are known to be safe.

Finkhouse says the State Department has not recommended that universities evacuate study abroad programs, and he does not know of any university that has done so. Noting that a three-day mourning period has been declared in France, he says it is unclear when students would return to their classes and internships in Paris.

“Boston University staff have been hard at work reaching out to, and accounting for, all those members of our community in Paris or likely to have been in Paris,” says President Robert A. Brown. “We are also reaching out to those on our campus who because of personal ties to France may in some way be affected. We are deeply saddened that once again terror has claimed innocent lives and reminded us that hate and violence are abiding realities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of Paris and France.”

Renée Pontbriand, director of the Paris study abroad program, says all students, staff, faculty, and homestay families in Paris are safe. “Those living with French hosts are well taken care of and discussing the events together. Students living at the dorm have gathered with the resident assistant to follow the unfolding events.”

Pontbriand says students have been sent to counseling services and have been updated with several text messages and emails advising them to stay inside and follow directives from local authorities.

Willis Wang, vice president and associate provost for global programs, says his staff is also working to support non–study abroad members of the BU community, including researchers, faculty, and staff who may be in Paris.

In a letter sent Friday night to all students in the program and to their parents, Study Abroad executive director Gareth McFeely said students attending the Boston University Paris program this semester are safe and have been in contact with the site director in Paris. McFeely said Global Programs has provided all students with guidance on sheltering in place for the evening and will continue to monitor the situation.

“BU staff based both in Paris and in Boston are monitoring the news closely,” he wrote. “We would like to assure you and your student that we have extensive emergency and communication plans in place. We anticipate significant delays and interruptions in local transportation, as well as an increased police and military presence, and searches at certain locations in the coming hours and days.”

A separate message, sent to all Global Programs students, advises students to limit travel, pay attention to all directives from authorities, and avoid traveling alone.

Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore sent a letter to all students studying at the University who list their home country as France, advising them of available counseling and that a member of the BU staff would soon be in contact with them. “Tragically, I feel that we lost our humanity yesterday—I, too, share in this profound sadness,” Elmore (SED’87) wrote. “I am sorry that you, and France, are faced with yet another set of attacks and bombings.”

Counseling and support is available for all members of the BU community. The Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center will hold open office hours on Monday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students who wish to talk, and Marsh Chapel will offer counselors and chaplain support at a “debrief session” on Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Thurman Room. Individual support can be arranged at any time through the following resources:

• Marsh Chapel chaplains can be reached at 617-353-3560.
• SARP counselors can be reached at 617-353-SARP (7277).
• Behavioral Medicine providers at Student Health Services can be reached through 617-353-3569.
• Counseling is also available for faculty and staff through the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office, at 617-353-5381.