Message of Solidarity with Nepal and Nepali Graduate Students

The University of Saskatchewan Graduate Students’ Association expresses its profound sorrow following the catastrophic flooding in Nepal. The disaster has taken more than a thousand lives, left thousands missing, displaced communities, and caused extensive damage to homes and essential infrastructure. We stand with the people of Nepal and with Nepali graduate students at USask who are grieving, worried about loved ones, or otherwise affected by this tragedy.

A Message of Solidarity from the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Students’ Association

To the Graduate Student Community,

On behalf of the Graduate Students’ Association, we extend our deepest sympathy to the people of Nepal and to everyone affected by the devastating flash floods and landslides.

We recognize that many Nepali graduate students are experiencing this disaster from far away. Some may be grieving the loss of relatives, friends, homes, or communities. Others may be waiting anxiously for news, supporting family members from Canada, or facing unexpected financial and academic pressures.

Events of this magnitude can affect concentration, research, sleep, mental health, and the ability to manage daily responsibilities. If you are struggling, please know that you do not have to carry this burden alone.

Mental Health and Wellness Support

  • Empower Me: Confidential, multilingual counselling is available to eligible graduate students and their dependants 24 hours a day at 1-833-628-5589.

  • Student Wellness Centre: Call 306-966-5768 for counselling, medical care, or other professional support.

  • Peer Health: Graduate students seeking informal peer support can connect with Peer Health through the USask Community Centre.

  • USask Faith Leaders: Spiritual guidance and compassionate one-on-one support are available to students of all faiths and backgrounds.

Academic, Financial, and Crisis Assistance

  • If this disaster is affecting your academic work, contact your supervisor, graduate chair, or program administrator to discuss appropriate flexibility and support.

  • Students experiencing unexpected financial pressure should contact Student Finance and their academic unit to ask about available assistance.

  • For immediate support, call Saskatoon Mobile Crisis at 306-933-6200, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.

We encourage members of our community to check on Nepali classmates, colleagues, and friends. Please approach those conversations with care and allow affected students to decide whether and how they wish to discuss what they are experiencing.

Those wishing to support relief efforts may contribute through the verified Canadian Red Cross Nepal Flash Floods Appeal.

The GSA stands with Nepali graduate students, their families, affected communities, emergency personnel, and everyone mourning lives and places lost. We will continue to support our members through this difficult period.

- GSA Executive