Campus briefs

Fire in Benson caused by leaf pile outside

A fire early Sunday evening that led to an evacuation of Benson Memorial Center was caused by a pile of leaf litter on the south side of the building, Benson Director Matt Cameron said.

The fire was reported at 5:15 p.m. Sunday after people in Benson began to smell smoke. This was apparently caused by the proximity of the fire to building air vents, Cameron said.

Fire alarms were activated and the building was evacuated. The Santa Clara Fire Department responded to put out the blaze.

There is no known damage to the building.

Local bank closes university office

Effective Jan. 31, Mission City Federal Credit Union will close its campus office.

Patrons can still visit Mission City's main office at 131 Franklin St., one block west of Franklin Square.

Mission City's full service ATM on campus will remain open.

Mental health awareness week kicks off Monday

Next week the Counseling Center and the Wellness Center will be co-sponsoring various events to talk about depression and other mental health concerns facing college students.

Events begin Monday with a film and panel discussion about "The Truth About Mental Illness at SCU." The event begins at 12 p.m. in the Williman room in Benson.

On Tuesday the counseling center will hold a "Check up From the Neck up" mental health screening in Benson Parlors B and C beginning at 11 a.m.

Wednesday will include a stress reduction workshop starting at 5 p.m. in the Malley Center Conference room.

Scabies outbreak reported in Graham Hall

Three people living in Graham Residence Hall have contracted scabies, an infestation of the skin that can lead to intense itching for a prolonged period of time, Alpha RLC staff said in an e-mail Tuesday.

Scabies is contracted through prolonged skin to skin contact with another individual who has scabies. Scabies is most commonly spread through sexual contact, sharing a household, or sharing items such as clothing and bedding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Itching from scabies can continue for two to three weeks, however there are prescription skin lotions available for treatment.

Students who think they may have scabies are advised to call the Cowell Health Center and schedule an appointment.

From staff reports.