*********************************
There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
*********************************
Atlanta, GA | Posted: March 11, 2011
As the impact of the earthquake in Japan continues to unfold, we have identified eight Georgia Tech students who will be spending spring semester there as part of International Work Abroad and Office of International Education (OIE) programs. OIE has made contact with the students and has learned that all are safe.
In addition, Jill Burya, assistant director of Georgia Tech's Work Abroad Program, was traveling in Japan on a Department of Education grant when the earthquake hit. She has safely returned to the United States.
Georgia Tech also has 35 students enrolled from Japan. OIE is contacting these students to offer support and counseling services in this potential time of need. For those who may have family or friends in Japan, the Georgia Tech Counseling Center provides a variety of services to students and the greater campus community. See the Counseling Center's website at http://www.counseling.gatech.edu/index.php, for additional details.
In addition, throughout the day, Georgia Tech researchers have provided their insight and expertise to the media and the public through ABC, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, CNN, CNN en EspaƱol, the Weather Channel, Fox News and other national news organizations. As this natural disaster transitions from a response to recovery situation, Georgia Tech will be involved in the research arena in terms of evaluating the impact of the earthquake and translating that knowledge into useful information designed to help mitigate future disasters.
Georgia Tech will continue to monitor the impact of the earthquake in Japan, the Pacific and other affected areas and stands ready to offer the Institute's assistance and expertise.