Resources and ways to support scholars in Afghanistan

Dear students, faculty and staff, 

As president of SFU, I am proud of the diversity of our community. Our students, faculty and staff come from countries around the world, and they bring important knowledge and ideas with them. Indeed, a research university cannot flourish without global knowledge and ideas. 

World events, such as the recent takeover of the government in Afghanistan, can deeply affect members of the SFU community. If you have ties to Afghanistan, I know this is a difficult time. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones and reach out if you need support. 

There is work underway across SFU to support scholars in Afghanistan through our partnership with Scholars at Risk (SAR), an organization that protects scholars around the world suffering threats to their lives, liberty and well-being. SFU International is working closely with SAR to support Afghanistan scholars to identify opportunities for these scholars to teach, research and study at SFU.  

SAR helps to provide threatened scholars with temporary placements at over 500 member institutions as researchers, lecturers, visiting scholars, post-docs, or graduate students. If you know an Afghanistan scholar who is currently at risk, please refer them to Scholars at Risk directly.

Our Advancement and Alumni Engagement team is raising funds to support these scholars and their families. Funds will be allocated to Threatened Students and Scholars. Learn how these funds can help Afghan scholars and consider donating if you are able.  

Academic freedom is essential to scholarship, and SFU will take action to support scholars however we can.  

Sincerely, 

Joy Johnson