Contact: Jennifer Hollingshead
Office: (573) 882-0601
E-mail: hollingsheadj@umsystem.edu
University of Missouri Helps Students Displaced by Hurricane Katrina (updated)
The four University of Missouri campuses have announced plans to assist students who have been displaced by the Gulf Coast devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
"Our deepest sympathies lie with the victims of this terrible disaster," University of Missouri President Elson S. Floyd said today. "The University of Missouri is taking the swiftest measures possible to aid students whose academic schedules have been affected."
University of Missouri Health Care
University of Missouri Health Care is working with the Missouri Hospital Association, which is coordinating hospital relief efforts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Hospital Association. Both University Hospital and Clinics and Columbia Regional Hospital have compiled lists for MHA of health care workers willing to volunteer to help.
University Hospital has been asked about the availability of ambulances and crews and is coordinating with Boone Hospital Center on emergency transport services if requested. The hospitals within the health system are reviewing available resources, and Columbia Regional Hospital has determined that it has neonatal intensive-care-unit beds available for victims. University Hospital also has acute-care beds available to victims. In addition, the Missouri Telehealth Network has offered its assistance in providing telehealth services to victims and videoconferencing services to link families. University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine Dean William Crist is working with his counterparts across the country through the Council of Deans to assist in providing medical education for any students displaced by Hurricane Katrina. MU School of Nursing Dean Rose Porter and MU School of Health Professions Dean Richard Oliver are similarly ready to offer assistance to students and are working with their counterparts across the country.
University of Missouri-Columbia
In response to urgent requests received from students attending Gulf Coast universities temporarily closed by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, University of Missouri-Columbia officials are offering assistance on a case-by-case basis. So far MU has admitted 29 undergraduates and three graduate students who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. MU has waived tuition, mandatory fees and room and board for these students. The MU bookstore is also offering discounted or free books (on loan) for this semester. University officials also are identifying current MU students whose homes are in the areas affected by the hurricane to determine what support can be provided to them. MU officials will be providing information to the campus community on various relief efforts for hurricane victims. For additional information, students or parents should call (573) 882-7786. MU Media Contact: Christian Basi (573) 882-4430.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is assisting Gulf Coast area college students who have been displaced by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Several affected students have been or are in the process of enrolling in UMKC for the fall semester. University officials are expecting more admissions during the next week. Late admission fees for students affected by Hurricane Katrina are being waived. UMKC is ready to accommodate quick admission, and academic advisors are prepared to work with the students to find appropriate class placement. In addition to waiving late fees for the fall semester, UMKC will assist Kansas City area students with education fees and transferring financial aid. Students and parents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact UMKC by Wednesday, September 7, 2005 and should call Joan Belt, Assistant Director of Admissions, at (816) 235-1202. UMKC Media Contact: John Allen (816) 235-1585.
University of Missouri-St. Louis
The University of Missouri-St. Louis has established a program to immediately enroll students who attend colleges that have been closed due to Hurricane Katrina. So far 83 undergraduate and graduate students have been enrolled. UMSL will waive tuition and required fees for students enrolling this fall from colleges that have been closed by Hurricane Katrina. UMSL will work to place students in classes that will transfer to their home college. Students should call (314) 516-5451 for more information. UMSL Media Contact: Bob Samples (314) 516-5665.
University of Missouri-Rolla
The University of Missouri-Rolla will waive application and late registration fees, extend the registration deadlines, and assist in finding housing for Missouri students displaced by Hurricane Katrina. UMR officials will work with students individually to provide a course schedule appropriate to their degree needs. UMR financial aid officers will work with the students to prepare a plan to cover tuition and associated fees. For more information, call UMR’s enrollment management office at (573) 341-4378. UMR Media Contact: Andrew Careaga (573) 341-4328.
Reviewed 2010-06-16