The hearts and minds of the Temple community around the world are with the people of Japan as they continue to wrestle with a national tragedy of unparalleled proportions. On behalf of all of us at Temple, I send sympathies to all who have been affected by the recent earthquake and its aftermath. Temple is committed to the students and staff of Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ), and to the continuing involvement of Temple University in higher education in Japan.

My staff and I are in constant communication with TUJ administrators to ensure the safety and welfare of TUJ students and staff. As you know, conditions in Tokyo are changing on a daily basis. Based on current conditions and advisories, classes have been cancelled until at least April 4. We will continue to monitor factors that affect the reopening of full operations on the campus, and I assure you we are doing everything we can to ensure that classes resume as soon as possible.

At present, we plan to resume classes through a combination of classroom and distance learning opportunities so that TUJ students can complete the semester. We have also provided the option for all TUJ students, including the Japanese students, to finish the semester at the Main Campus in Philadelphia with free housing. Students who have eligible status in the U.S. or who can obtain a visa are invited to come to Temple's Main Campus to complete their Spring 2011 coursework.

We want to assure our many partners and supporters in Japan that Temple University's commitment to Japan remains stronger than ever. We are committed to providing assistance to Japanese students at TUJ and Temple's Main Campus who are experiencing hardships due to the earthquake. We also want to support relief efforts as a sign of our commitment to Japan. Many at Temple have already stepped forward to help.

This is an extraordinary time that has created unprecedented challenges for the Japanese people and Temple's programming in Japan. I am confident that we will effectively manage the many aspects of responding to ongoing developments and that Temple's presence in Japan will continue to be the pinnacle expression of the university's global commitment.

— Ann Weaver Hart, President

Additional information, including FAQs, is available at TUJ's web site. Study abroad students should refer to the Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses web site; updates for law students are being posted at the web site of Temple's Beasley School of Law. Questions may be e-mailed to tujask@temple.edu.