Colleges nationwide support Katrina victims

Since colleges in southeastern Louisiana were either closed or damaged by Hurricane Katrina, schools across the nation have welcomed displaced students with open arms.
Whether extending registration or setting up relief funds for schools affected by the storm, universities and colleges everywhere are working together to help students.
Schools in Rhode Island, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois and Pennsylvania are offering free tuition, while schools in California, Texas and Oklahoma are waiving residential and late fees for displaced students.
Overall, approximately 526 higher learning institutions nationwide have extended registration and enrollment.
Electronic courses are also being provided for distance learning. Registered students attending higher learning institutions in or around New Orleans can enroll in any Louisiana public college or university without paying additional tuition or fees.
Students who receive aid under the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students will be able to receive their awards at any school in Louisiana.
Universities such as McNeese State University, Northwestern State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Nicholls State University have formed hurricane and disaster relief funds for textbooks, living expenses and supplies.
Southern University-Baton Rouge has enrolled more than 850 students, mostly from its sister campus, Southern University at New Orleans, and from 11 other New Orleans campuses including Dillard University, Xavier University, University of New Orleans and Tulane University.
Johnny Tolliver, SUBR vice chancellor for academic affairs and SU system Interim President Edward Jackson are working with SUNO Vice Chancellor Charles Williams and SUNO Chancellor Robert Gex to put students into new and existing classes.
“We are trying to give SUNO faculty, staff and students the best accommodations possible here at Southern,” Tolliver said. “We are asking our students and faculty to help them with anything that they need to make them feel comfortable.”
SUNO faculty members are teaching classes on campus and offices are being provided for the professors.
“All in all, we’ve been blessed,” Williams said. “We are pleased with the top notch education being given to our students.”
The Student Government Association has also developed activities for students from other schools to help them feel welcome.
“We have really stepped up to the plate,” said Raymond Downs, vice chancellor of Student Affairs.
“We are trying to cover all of the basics that these people need to succeed in these circumstances.”
Downs said that he encourages displaced students, not only here, but everywhere, to contact FEMA for help. SUNO has set up a website and phone service where faculty and students can go or call to ensure their safety and get further information about the school.
“We are not closed,” Williams said. “We are merely operating from a different location.”