Emporia State University assisting with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts

Emporia State University is currently working on a number of responses to Hurricane Katrina and its devastating impact on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

“ESU is collaborating with the state university systems of Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama to determine specific needs of their students, faculty and staff,” said ESU President Kay Schallenkamp. “We have offered whatever assistance that they may identify. ”

Relief efforts are being coordinated as a campus-wide initiative .

A university-wide open forum regarding Hurricane Katrina Relief will be held on Tuesday evening, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. Among issues to be discussed will be the University's coordinated response to offer assistance to those affected by this disaster.

“We are doing this as a campus community, to provide a unified effort to see where we can help,” said Jim Williams, Vice-President for Student Affairs. “As a student-centered institution our main goal is to make sure we are providing assistance to our students whose family may have been affected by this disaster.”

The University has been contacted by a student in Louisiana who had planned to attend Gulf Coast colleges to inquire about admissions. ESU is waiving late fees for students who meet regular admission standards.

“We are making it simple as possible for any student affected by the hurricane to enroll in classes,” Williams said. “We are in the process of coordinating when the student from Louisiana will arrive.”

Rob Catlett, Coordinator of the American Democracy Project, is working on integrating campus activities into this campus-wide relief effort.

ESU students from the Louisiana and Mississippi area have been identified and contacted to see if the university can provide any assistance to them or their families.

The University is accommodating students in the National Guard who have been called to serve in hurricane search and rescue efforts. Students who are reservists who have been called up should contact the Office of the Registrar.

“We are doing our best to help our students understand these life-altering situations,” Schallenkamp said.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>