ITS Provides Highlanders Access to Technology After Off-Campus Fire

On Friday, May 29, 2026, a fire destroyed about half of the units at University Riverside Gardens, a non-university owned, off-campus apartment complex near UC Riverside. The fire displaced more than 80 UCR students, according to a report from UCR News.

UCR staff immediately worked to deliver aid to impacted students, including the Campus Support Services staff from ITS. The team, led by BearHelp Supervisor Francisco Martinez and Computing Support Services Director Lily Barger, swiftly allocated devices for more than 55 impacted students.

The team determined a quick way to provide students access to laptops, leveraging the Laptop Anytime Kiosks stationed around campus. Even students who lost their R’Card in the fire were able to obtain laptops on short notice. Campus Support Services’ student workers were instrumental in providing aid to their fellow Highlanders, as they made themselves available over the weekend to help distribute laptops in the BearHelp Support Desks at the libraries.

Additionally, Campus Support Services ensured that Highlanders who need access to technology as a result of the fire were prioritized and directly assisted during the resource dinner event hosted by UCR on June 4.

ITS was among the many units across campus who rallied around the students affected by the fire. Departments such as Health, Well-being, and Safety, including its Basic Needs and Case Management units; the Office of Emergency Management, Auxiliary Services, including Housing Services and administration; Student Affairs, and Development and Alumni Engagement all delivered the necessary support to ensure that students had what they needed to finish the academic year strong.

We thank our ITS staff for their continued dedication to the UCR community, and for going above and beyond to ensure Highlanders are able to achieve their academic goals.

Highlanders affected by the recent fire who need access to technology may reach out to BearHelp by calling (951) 827-4848, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.