University of Central Florida Policy Affecting Students Displaced by Hurri

[Beearewhyain]

I just got this email and wanted to pass it on in the hopes it might help someone.

To: Campus Community
From: John C. Hitt, President
Submitted by: Beth Barnes, Vice President and Chief of Staff

Beginning today, the University of Central Florida will allow college
students displaced by Hurricane Katrina to register for classes on a
space-available basis.

Students who were enrolled this fall at universities that have been closed
because of the hurricane may apply to UCF by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9.
Students can call 407-823-6188 for enrollment information; a 1-800 number
will be posted at www.ucf.edu later this week. Because UCF started classes
Aug. 22, admissions staff will work one-on-one with displaced students to
expedite admission, enrollment, and financial assistance processes.

Application fees will be waived, and students will pay in-state tuition
rates. UCF will provide guidance and tutoring assistance, as well as
referrals for housing and other necessities.

Students will be offered admission on a case-by-case basis and will be
required to sign a form verifying that they were registered elsewhere and
have been displaced. Students who are unable to provide transcripts and
other official materials immediately will be allowed to do so at a later
date.

Our hearts go out to the students and families who have lost so much
because of this devastating storm. By allowing students to resume their
academic careers with as little interruption as possible, we hope to help
them overcome this tragedy and get on with their lives. I urge you to
welcome them into our community and make their transition as smooth
possible.

[nytemare]

1. Good for them.

Maybe my town developed some sympathy after getting hit by 3 of the hurricanes last year. None of them as bad as this one, though.

[Not Me]

2. FYI, UCF is located in Orlando

for those of you who may not know.

[iamjoy]

3. So Proud Of My Alma Mater

Not the best academic instution, especially compared to some in NOLA and the football team sucks but now it gets to show it really has heart.

[phusion]

4. My Univ., The University of New Mexico

is doing something similar. Albuquerque also has plans to house 6,000 NOLA residents.

The following is an email I received from the UNM President:

UNM steps up efforts to aid students displaced by Hurricane Katrina

The University of New Mexico has stepped up its efforts to aid students currently enrolled in colleges impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The university will defray their costs to attend UNM to the greatest extent possible. UNM President Louis Caldera announced today that this effort comes with the encouragement and support of the legislative leadership, particularly Speaker of the House Ben Lujan and Senate Majority Floor Leader Michael Sanchez, as well as the UNM Board of Regents.

Governor Bill Richardson and Higher Education Secretary Beverlee McClure have called on New Mexico universities to do what they can to help students impacted by the hurricane. Caldera says UNM is heeding that call.

“These are extraordinary circumstances, and as a university, we are reaching out to support these students,” said Caldera. “The best thing we can do is to help them stay on track for graduation.” Caldera commended the Governor, Secretary McClure and the leadership of the House and Senate who have pledged to support these efforts.

“The University of New Mexico is a viable option for enrolled students in the impacted areas,” says Senator Sanchez. “It appears the revenues are available to assist and we are going to do everything we can to help these students and communities that have been terribly impacted by Hurricane Katrina.” Speaker Lujan states that “our hearts go out to these students and their families and we will work to help defray their costs to attend UNM.”

UNM will accept any enrolled student from the affected areas, defraying their costs to the greatest extent possible for as many students as the university can accommodate. This can include tuition, fees, books, room and board and dorm space. These efforts complement the university’s previous decision to open its doors to New Mexico residents enrolled in colleges and universities in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.