ILLINOIS CAMPUS COMPACT MEMBER COLLEGES AND …



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ILLINOIS CAMPUS COMPACT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

RESPOND TO STUDENT NEEDS AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA

In the Campus Compact document, President’s Declaration on Civic Responsibility in Higher Education, the Presidents declare, “Colleges and universities have long embraced a mission to educate students for citizenship. … higher education has an unprecedented opportunity to influence the democratic knowledge, dispositions, and habits of the heart that graduates carry with them into the public square. Higher education is uniquely positioned … to help both students and our communities to explore new ways of fulfilling the promise of justice and dignity for all…,to help them learn both to respect difference and to work together for the common good.”

Hurricane Katrina has indeed challenged higher education to reach out and work together for the common good. With over 30 colleges and universities damaged and between 75,000 and 100,000 students displaced, all across the country Presidents have been stepping up to announce how their institutions will come to the aid of students.

Illinois Campus Compact Executive Director, Kathy Engelken, checked in with the University and College Presidents about their campus responses. “We are proud members of Campus Compact, a national organization of colleges and universities that are involved in civic engagement efforts,” said Paul Pribbenow, President of Rockford College and Co Chair of Illinois Campus Compact Presidents Board.  Presidents described heartfelt responses by their campuses to assist and relocate students from the Gulf States campuses devastated by the hurricane. They are opening their campus doors wide to embrace those students who wish to continue their education.

The President and Chancellors know there is the immediate need for students to enroll in classes before it is too late to start the new academic year. Many Illinois Campus Compact institutions are waiving or adjusting tuition for the students. Housing in residence halls is being offered along with a free or adjusted meal plan.

“Following the aftermath of this destructive storm, it is essential that colleges and universities open their doors to help in any way possible,” Goldfarb said. “Students from areas affected by the hurricane may enroll in classes at Western and we will assist these students in any way possible so they can continue their studies in a safe and affordable environment.” Western Illinois University, President Al Goldfarb.

UIC Chancellor Sylvia Manning issued a statement to the campus. "We hope that the rescue efforts now underway will save those still in harm’s way and that the recovery efforts will bring relief to residents of the stricken areas in the weeks to come," Manning said.

“Northwestern stands ready to assist students from those institutions affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath to the greatest extent possible,” said University President Henry S. Bienen.

“We will make it easy as possible for these students to become part of our university community and ensure their educational needs are met,” said Chancellor, Walter Wendler, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“Columbia College Chicago is prepared to enroll and house up to twenty at risk or in need undergraduate students directly affected by Hurricane Katrina for this Fall Semester-all expenses paid (full tuition, room and board & transportation costs), for up to a year or as soon as they are able to return to their original educational homes.  President Warrick Carter, Columbia College Chicago

“Our hearts are extended to all whose lives are affected by this devastating natural disaster. At Augustana, we encourage our students to find ways their gifts can be used to meet the needs of the world. By extending this offer, we are pleased to share our resources in the ongoing process of recovery.” President Steven Bahls, Augustana College.

Faculty, staff, students, administrators have reached out in many and varied ways. Some have offered to take vacation time to serve; an adjunct faculty member has sent two shipments of clothing and prepackaged food gathered from the community to a colleague in the south who will distribute—and it goes on and on....the generosity and care of the college community is almost as overwhelming as the disaster. It seems, doesn’t it, that it takes the worst to bring out the best.....Dr. Peg Lee, Oakton College

Illinois State University will “immediately open its doors” to students at colleges and universities affected by Hurricane Katrina, President Al Bowman announced Thursday. “Following consultation with Provost John Presley and Academic Senate Chair Lane Crothers, I have decided we must provide any and all resources available at Illinois State to help these students,” Bowman said. “We have staff members from Admissions, Financial Aid and Housing ready to provide assistance.”

“SIUE joins the rest of our nation in support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the horrific national disaster that has resulted in significant death and damage in the south.  SIUE will send two police officers and a police cruiser to the affected area, as part of a long-standing agreement to respond to the need for police protection during such emergencies.  Yesterday the university began admitting and supplying financial aid to “refugee” students from universities impacted by Katrina.  We are requesting that faculty and staff work with these students to aid in their transition to SIUE.  In addition, SIUE has a procedure in place that will be forwarded to you regarding the treatment of our students who are being called for military duty in response to this crisis”. Chancellor Vaughn Vandergrift, SIUE

For every member campus, there are stories of overwhelming generosity. Illinois students are pulling the $1 bills from their jeans to add to the fundraising needed for the hurricane victims. Students are opening their dorm rooms to share with a relocating student. Prayer Services are being planned. Relief Rallies are scheduled. Professional Staff and Faculty are being sent to assist their colleagues in the Gulf States. (Include your campus story and efforts here)

See details of Campus’ responses below. And keep Illinois Campus Compact informed about your initiatives. CONTACT INFO: KATHY ENGELKEN: (815) 226 4093 or Email: kengelken@rockford.edu

Websites with information for Higher Education and Hurricane Katrina

• The Campus Compact website () has a list of ways that college communities might offer assistance to victims of the storm.

• The Society for College and University Planning has a website () which lists MANY institutions (including those from Illinois) that are offering assistance to students.

• It occurred to us that the thousands of students who are displaced have enough in common that they might want their own Lyris list to talk with each other. In that event, we have created the [katrina-students] list. Please pass the word:

• To join go to:

- and use the web form, or send a message to "katrina-students-request@umich.edu" with the word "subscribe" in its Subject line. Once subscribed, any message to "katrina-students@umich.edu" goes to everyone signed up.

Illinois Campus Compact (ILCC) is a coalition of 35 member higher education institutions. The mission of ILCC is to support Presidents and their institutional leadership, to actively promote the civic mission of higher education, and to engage students, faculty and campuses in collaborative partnerships that promote civic engagement.

Institutions that have sent Illinois Campus Compact information as of 9/2/05:

Augustana College Rend Lake College,

Aurora University Rockford College,

College of DuPage Roosevelt University

Columbia College Chicago Southern Illinois University Carbondale

DePaul University Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Dominican University Trinity Christian College

Illinois College, University of Illinois at Chicago

Illinois State University University of Illinois Springfield,

Illinois Wesleyan University, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign,

Lake Forest College Western Illinois University

Lincoln Land Community College,

Loyola University Chicago,

Millikin University

North Central College,

Northeastern Illinois University,

Northwestern University,

Oakton Community College

Specific Campus Responses

As colleges/universities organize, it may be helpful to know what other campuses are doing. The following is a list of what campuses have sent to Illinois Campus Compact regarding their planning.

From Southern Illinois University Edwardsville:

Name:  Operation our Turn

Mission:  Collaboration to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Programs:

Following programs will take place.  Everyone in the campus and community are going to be encouraged to participate.  This is not only a SIUE effort.  The goal is to hit the five counties in the Illinois Metro East and as far as Chicago.

Sleep Out: Will take place Tues, Wed, and Thurs in the Quad.  Students are going to be encouraged to bring a blanket or sleeping bag to sleep and donate money. 

Gospel Choir Performance:  Thursday Night - Donations requested.  Singers are being asked to participate.

Bowl a Thon:  Society of Black Engineers has talked to Mary Robinson about working with them to do a Bowl a Thon.  (I have talked with Mary and she is working with them.)

St. Louis Channel 4 (KMOV):  A large number of students (organizations) are volunteering over the weekend to work the phones.  Calls have been made to the Salvation Army for the arrangements.  The Salvation Army is responsible for organizing the area colleges.

Banner with students signing for support:  Mary Robinson has ordered a banner and SLDP will work with her to have the students sign on banner paper and hang it for support in the MUC. 

Future Programs:

-Buddy or Sister/Brother Program:  This would be for students coming to SIUE as a result of the disaster. 

-Collecting for the families who will have to relocate to the St. Louis area.

-Calling to talk to the Salvation Army to find out what is all needed. 

Publicity

Alestle:  Jacob Jensen is contacting the Alestle

University News Services:  Lee Ann Womack has contacted Greg Conroy and he is excited to work with her.

Banner:  Mary Robinson is paying for a large vinyl banner which will say “We support Operation Our Turn Katrina Relief”.  Should be completed on Friday morning.

Contacting Local High Schools:  All students will contact their home high schools to participate in Operation Our Turn.

Funding:

Earleen Patterson will work with the groups to determine the funding.  Suggested location for the collected funds are Tom Joyner Projects, Red Cross, and Salvation Army.

Rockford College

I am so proud of the many ways in which members of our community have responded to the disaster – with prayers, donations, offers to help victims, a willingness to help rebuild.  This truly is a college community with a conscience.

I also know that the impact of the tragedy – like that of other major disasters – will be experienced for months and years to come.  I think of last December’s Tsunami catastrophe in south Asia.  The rebuilding of lives and homes will take years – the planned trip by our students and faculty to build homes in south Asia next December is an example of how we can be involved for the long haul as fellow citizens, global neighbors.

 

What shall we do as a college community to be of most help to the victims of Hurricane Katrina? 

Many colleges are welcoming students from the hurricane to enroll and live on their campuses.  We certainly would welcome such students, but given that we are already two weeks underway with our fall semester, I think that schools that are yet to begin their fall classes (like Augustana College) are best situated to offer that help.  I am pleased that Regent’s College in London has been able to accommodate several students from Tulane University in New Orleans.

 

What we as a college will do (are doing) is this:

Tomorrow’s football game against Eureka College (1 pm, Greeley Field) will provide a great opportunity to show we care.  All gate receipts and other game proceeds will be donated to the relief fund that has been established by the Rockford Register-Star and American Red Cross.  We all have learned that cash may be the best gift we can offer in the short term.  We will take donations at the game as well and observe a moment of silence before the game begins.  Come out and show your support for the hurricane victims!

We are in contact with Rockford College alumni who live in the areas most hard hit by the storm.  One alumni couple – the Rev. DuWayne ‘61 and Eunice Winters ‘66 – live in Robertsdale, Alabama, which has become a relief location for 1,000 displaced citizens of Mississippi.  We have shipped a load of Rockford College clothing and gear to the Winters and are in contact with them about other needs that we might help meet in the days and weeks ahead.

Finally, I believe that interested members of our community need to come together to talk about how we might best respond to this tragedy in an ongoing way.  To that end, I have asked Brad Lauman (Kobe Regent’s Center) and Chris Hempfling (Jane Addams Center) to facilitate a community forum next Wednesday (9/7/05) to discuss what we know, what we need to learn, and how we might continue to be responsibly involved in relief efforts. 

Thank you again for all that you are doing to make a difference.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Katrina – and our hands stand ready to help as we are able to make their lives better in the midst of this national tragedy.

Western Offers Admission To Katrina Displaced Students

MACOMB, IL - - College students from areas hit by Hurricane Katrina are invited to attend Western Illinois University, according to Western President Al Goldfarb.

“Following the aftermath of this destructive storm, it is essential that colleges and universities open their doors to help in any way possible,” Goldfarb said. “Students from areas affected by the hurricane may enroll in classes at Western and we will assist these students in any way possible so they can continue their studies in a safe and affordable environment.”

Students displaced by the hurricane will be extended in-state tuition rates and are eligible for Western’s Cost Guarantee program until such time that they wish to transfer to their previous institution. Western’s Cost Guarantee freezes tuition, fees, room and board for students who remain continuously enrolled at the University at the cost level of their first year at Western.

College students from the hurricane-ravaged areas can call the office of admissions at 309/298-3157 or 309/298-3140 for information. While classes began at Western Aug. 22, the University will accommodate students at either the Macomb or Quad Cities campus. The University will defer required application materials until they can be made available.

The University is also aware of the potential for student members of National Guard and Military Reserve units being called to duty for Katrina relief efforts.

“We will provide our students support in their transition from classroom to disaster relief duty,” Goldfarb said.

Western Illinois University students who are notified by the National Guard or Military Reserves to report for processing should immediately notify the Office of the Registrar, Sherman Hall 110. Affected students should speak with Registrar Alan DeRoos or Associate Registrar Deann Combites at 309/298-1891, ext. 223.

Students who need to give notice outside of regular University business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays) should call the WIU Office of Public Safety at 309-298-1949 and mention "activation for military service." The Registrar will notify the student's instructors.

If the processing is of short duration and the student is able to return to school within a week or two, the University's military service policy is to grant sufficient time to make up missed work, tests and assignments. If the student is unable to return to classes, the Registrar will initiate a full University withdrawal with grades of "W," a full credit for tuition and fees, and a prorated credit for room and board.

University of Illinois at Chicago

UIC Chancellor Sylvia Manning issued a statement to the campus. "We hope that the rescue efforts now underway will save those still in harm’s way and that the recovery efforts will bring relief to residents of the stricken areas in the weeks to come," Manning said.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is responding to the Katrina disaster by sending emergency response personnel, offering continuing study opportunities to displaced students -- and in the case of one UIC physician, providing hands-on medical care in the center of the disaster zone.

Dr. Maximo Brito, assistant professor of medicine at UIC and an infectious disease specialist, was attending a medical meeting in the French Quarter when the hurricane struck. He has set up a triage center in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel lobby. He has phoned out a few times but is not in regular contact with the outside world.

Seven staff instructors of the UIC Disaster Emergency Medicine Readiness Training Center have deployed in support of Katrina rescue operations. Five center staff were dispatched to the field hospital at Baton Rouge, while two others are backfilling at Illinois locations to help free-up Illinois Medical Emergency Response Teams to go to the delta. The training center, headquartered at the UIC College of Dentistry, is also working in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the American Medical Association’s Center for Public Health Preparedness and Disaster Response to provide supplies, equipment and administrative support to the EMS professionals who have deployed in support of the disaster response.

The UIC School of Public Health is working with the Association of Schools of Public Health to assist their colleagues at the Tulane University School of Public Health. UIC has offered to take Tulane students for the fall semester as "exchange students" and to open online courses to Tulane students. Longer term, the UIC School of Public Health has offered to help replace of books and journals and provide other assistance with getting the school back up and running.

The University of Illinois announced today that it will accommodate Illinois students who attend college in the devastated area and allow them to minimize the impact of the disaster on their education. Displaced students will be allowed to attend any one of the three U. of I. campuses for up to one year as non-degree students so that their educational plans can remain as close to on-track as possible.

At UIC, as of early Thursday afternoon, 83 students had contacted the admissions office for special admission.

Students may come in to the office, located in the Student Services Building, 1200 W. Harrison St., and fill out a non-degree student application on the spot. The application fee is waived. They will meet with a registration counselor and look for available space in the courses they need for their regular programs. Evidence of acceptance at an affected college is required.

The Counseling Center will provide immediate counseling for UIC students and will provide consultations to faculty, staff and students impacted in any way by the hurricane and its aftermath. The Counseling Center is located in the Student Services Building, Room 2010, phone (312) 996-3490.

DePaul University

DePaul University has joined the higher education community in reaching out to students from the Gulf Coast region affected by Hurricane Katrina, while providing support services to affected DePaul students and opportunities for the university community to offer prayers and donations.

Services for Students Seeking Temporary Enrollment at DePaul University

DePaul’s undergraduate Admission staff and Financial Aid staff will work extended hours through the holiday weekend to help students seeking expedited admission. Weekend hours will be Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both the Loop and Lincoln Park campuses; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Loop Campus only, and Monday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Loop Campus only. Please call the Admission office at 312/362-8300 for assistance.

Admission and Financial Aid staff members have been meeting individually with students who attend schools in the affected region to discuss enrollment options. DePaul is being as flexible as possible in expediting admission and registration at the university. Financial aid staff members are counseling students to address tuition issues.

For some students, the option of gaining full admission to degree-seeking status and applying for financial aid is still possible; in those cases, DePaul is making every attempt to complete the process by the time classes start on Sept. 7.

DePaul’s School for New Learning has rolling start dates and is an option for students who seek admission after the start of classes next week.

Financial Aid for Non-Degree Seeking Students

National Education, a DePaul University preferred lender, has made loans available to students seeking temporary enrollment at DePaul. Click here for more information:

Services for DePaul Students

Student Affairs is making counseling available to students via walk-in appointments and group sessions. If you are a DePaul student who needs assistance of any kind, or know of a student who needs assistance, please contact Greg MacVarish, dean of students, at gmacvari@depaul.edu or 773/325-7290.

Donations to Support Relief Efforts

Student Affairs is in the process of creating a fund to assist current students from the affected area. Details have not been finalized yet but will be available early next week. If you would like to contribute to this effort, call Lou O’Brien in Student Affairs at 312/362-5681 or Celeste Frontzak in University Ministry at 773/325-1184 after Sept. 6.

The following agencies are being recommended for your charitable contributions:

Southern Province of Vincentians Relief Fund for St. Joseph Parish in New Orleans .Donations can be sent to:

Congregation of the Mission

NOLA Relief Fund / Fr. Perry Henry, C.M.

3826 Gilbert Ave.

Dallas, TX 75219

Catholic Charities:



Red Cross:



Three Services of Remembrance and Solidarity on Thursday, September 8th

12:30 p.m. Lincoln Park Quad, (Rain location: Student Center Room 102, former Spirit Shop)

12:30 p.m. Loop – DePaul Center, 11th Floor Student Center

7:00 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave.

Books of Prayer and Remembrance

Anyone may write the names of friends and family whom they would like to remember and keep in prayers, or the private intentions for which they would like the DePaul community to keep in prayers. The books will be available after the Thursday services at the Loop Campus in the Lewis Chapel and the Lincoln Park Campus Student Center, 1st floor Reflection Room. They will remain available throughout the academic year, and the intentions will be included in the daily Mass held at noon Monday-Friday during the school year.

Columbia College Chicago

In the wake of the devastation in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, we have decided to offer assistance to affected students and families by opening our educational doors to both Chicago area students who were scheduled to attend college at one of the hurricane-closed institutions as well as offering assistance to students from the affected areas whose families and college plans were dislocated by the hurricane.

For Chicago area students who are coming back to the city and have contacted Columbia about late enrollment - to date we have talked with about twenty such students - we are making late admission available. We are also considering adjusting tuition, based on need, on a case-by-case basis.

For students whose plans and financial resources have been wiped out by Katrina, we are making the following offer, which has been posted on a number of appropriate websites:

"Columbia College Chicago is prepared to enroll and house up to twenty at risk or in need undergraduate students directly affected by Hurricane Katrina for this Fall Semester-all expenses paid (full tuition, room and board & transportation costs), for up to a year or as soon as they are able to return to their original educational homes.  Columbia acknowledges that for most affected students it may be best for them to take a break from school to support their families and communities rather than to enroll temporarily in another college. However, we want to do what we can to help students (where appropriate) continue on their educational paths and return to their home colleges as soon as possible.  

Classes for our Fall Semester BEGIN TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6, but we will be prepared to help students start late as circumstances dictate. Please Contact Murphy Monroe, Executive Director of Admissions as quickly as possible at 773/209-2225 or mmonroe@colum.edu."

In addition, approximately 25 of our current Columbia students hail from the affected area and we are contacting each of these students individually and offering appropriate assistance to the students and their families to help them through this very difficult time.

We encourage the entire Columbia community to do their utmost to reach out to Columbia students from the affected area and to extend a particularly warm welcome to the new students who will be joining us.

Illinois College

In addition to sending money directly to relief agencies, the College community has elected to partner with Dillard University in New Orleans under the auspices of the United Church of Christ. Dillard was particularly hard hit, and the campus is reportedly still under six feet of water. We have invited 10-12 students to attend Ilinois College, as well as a staff person who might accompany them, at no tuition cost for the students for the fall semester. Other UCC colleges have made similar offers. The Illinois College community has also established a fund to assist the University with needs that they might identify in the weeks and months ahead. President Axel Steuer, Illinois College

Northwestern University

“Northwestern stands ready to assist students from those institutions affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath to the greatest extent possible,” said University President Henry S. Bienen.

Northwestern University will offer students enrolled at colleges and universities in hurricane-stricken areas the opportunity to take classes at Northwestern this fall as visiting students.

Northwestern will waive tuition for those students, allowing tuition revenues to continue to go to those students “home” institutions. If students have already paid their fall semester tuition to their home institution, Northwestern will provide available space in classes at no additional cost. If the visiting students have not yet paid tuition at their home institution, Northwestern will charge the home institution’s tuition and transfer those funds to it.

Interested undergraduate students should apply through Northwestern’s School of Continuing Studies. The application deadline for those students will be extended to Sept. 15. All courses in which space is available offered through the School of Continuing Studies will be open to these students. In addition, where capacity is available, the visiting students may enroll in undergraduate courses in other Northwestern schools.

Fall quarter classes at Northwestern begin Sept. 20.

Students seeking to enroll in the emergency visiting student program should contact Lesley Todd at the School of Continuing Studies at 847-491-5251, by e-mail at scs@northwestern.edu or go to on the Web.

Credits earned by visiting students at Northwestern may be transferred to other colleges and universities. At the end of the fall quarter, Northwestern will give students enrolled through the program transcripts for the courses they complete.

Northwestern also will make available a limited number of rooms in the University’s residence halls. Students interested in university housing should inform the School of Continuing Studies during the enrollment process.

Northwestern’s Graduate School will attempt to accommodate any master's or doctoral degree-seeking student from a New Orleans-area university who wishes to be a visiting student at Northwestern for the fall term. Emergency visiting students in the Graduate School also will not be charged tuition for their studies. Graduate students from the New Orleans area who may have an interest in studying at Northwestern University for the fall term should contact Associate Dean Simon Greenwold at s-greenwold@northwestern.edu or 847/467-1829.

Northwestern Law School will offer enrollment to 15 second- and third-year law students from Tulane University and Loyola University of New Orleans. Those students are expected to arrive sometime next week.

Alan K. Cubbage Vice President for University Relations Northwestern University 555 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208-1230 847-491-4886 847-491-2376 (fax)

Augustana College to offer tuition-free education to students affected by Hurricane Katrina

Rock Island, Ill. – Up to ten students whose educations have been disrupted by the catastrophic damage of Hurricane Katrina may enroll at Augustana College tuition-free for the fall term. Dozens of colleges and universities in Gulf Coast states have been devastated by Katrina and may not re-open for the fall semester. Up to ten students who are enrolled in such institutions may enroll at Augustana College for the 2005 fall term. The college will not charge tuition to such students who enroll for the fall term; however, applicable fees for room and board will be assessed, if they choose to live on campus.

“The human toll of Hurricane Katrina is immense,” said Augustana President Steven Bahls. “Our hearts are extended to all whose lives are affected by this devastating natural disaster. At Augustana, we encourage our students to find ways their gifts can be used to meet the needs of the world. By extending this offer, we are pleased to share our resources in the ongoing process of recovery.”

Augustana College is a selective, independent college of the liberal arts and sciences located in Rock Island, Illinois. The college operates on a three-term calendar, with the fall 2005 term beginning Tuesday, September 6 and continuing through Thursday, November 17. As much as possible, accommodations will be made for students who are unable to begin classes next week.

“It is our hope that students affected by Katrina will find our academic calendar conducive to making the transition back to their original school,” said Kent Barnds, vice president for enrollment. “In addition, the fact that our fall term classes have not yet begun puts Augustana in a good position to be of service to displaced students.”

Students who wish to take advantage of this offer must meet the requirements of admission to Augustana College. Preference will be given to students who reside in Illinois or Iowa. For more information on this offer, please contact Kent Barnds, vice president for enrollment, at (309) 794-7314.

Illinois State University

Rally to Support Hurricane Victims

Students, Faculty and Staff of Illinois State University,

 I am writing to ask you to join together for a “Redbirds for Relief” rally on Thursday, September 8, from noon until 1 p.m. on the ISU Quad.  The event will benefit the people that have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

 Provost Presley asks that faculty members suspend classes for that hour, and I am asking supervisors to allow non-essential personnel to attend the rally.

 As a community, Illinois State is 24,000 strong.  I hope each of you will take time to help our University support those who are enduring this horrific ordeal.

 For more information, visit the “Headlines” section of the ISU home page at illinoisstate.edu

 Thank you.  Al Bowman, President Illinois State University

North Central

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (September 2, 2005) — As North Central College prepares for the arrival of the largest class of new students in its 144-year history next week, the humanitarian challenge of Hurricane Katrina is very much on the minds of faculty, staff and students.

The College has set up a special admission “hot-line” (630-637-5800) to deal with inquiries from Chicago-area students and their families whose higher education plans have been disrupted by the hurricane and subsequent flooding.

“We start later than most schools, and that means we can address the needs of some students looking for an immediate academic ‘home’ this fall,” said Laurie Hamen, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs at North Central. “Although we have virtually no residence hall space available, we can find room in our classrooms for some commuting students and will respond rapidly and flexibly to student circumstances on a one-by-one basis,” she said.

In addition, the College is offering a special helping hand to Chicago-area students of sister United Methodist institution Dillard University, located in New Orleans. “We are holding the last remaining residence hall rooms — less than 10 — for women students from Dillard, whom we could enroll as exchange students without a lot of concern about paperwork,” Hamen added.

The College’s Katrina disaster response team includes Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Marty Sauer, Dean of Students Gary Ireland and Director of Ministry and Service Jeremy Gudauskas. As students come back to campus, this team will coordinate future College efforts on behalf of hurricane victims.

 

Oakton College

At Oakton Community College, we are doing everything we can to assist students who had planned to attend a College and University in one of the affected areas by getting them enrolled in late starting classes and are providing them with whatever support they need. We have also started a collection of clothing, and items needed for the relief effort and several boxes of items have already been sent to the Gulf area. In two weeks, one of our student clubs (Students for Social Justice) will be conducting a fundraiser to send money to one of the relief agencies. We are continuing to discuss other ways that Oakton can respond to this terrible tragedy.

Faculty, staff, students, administrators have reached out in many and varied ways. Some have offered to take vacation time to serve; an adjunct faculty member has sent two shipments of clothing and prepackaged food gathered from the community to a colleague in the south who will distribute—and it goes on and on....the generosity and care of the college community is almost as overwhelming as the disaster. It seems, doesn’t it, that it takes the worst to bring out the best.....Dr. Peg Lee, Oakton College

Aurora University

At Aurora University, we already have made arrangements to accommodate students who planned to attend institutions in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.  We are working with at least two individuals right now to place them into courses that began ten days ago.  Now we are working through our MSW program on a specific outreach effort to students at Tulane, which also has a large graduate program in social work. President Rebecca Sherrick, Aurora University

Loyola University Chicago

On September 1, 2005 we announced to assist students who are anxious to continue with their education, we, along with the other AJCU schools, have agreed to offer admission to any LUNO or Tulane University student who wants to continue their studies during the Fall semester. These students will be accepted as non-matriculating visitors, and their academic records and financial aid will be handled in conjunction with their home campus at some later time. Our Enrollment Management team has developed a fast-track process for placing them in classes. Our academic advising offices are assisting in proper placement.

We are also planning to take up a special collection for relief efforts during the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sunday, September 11.

In the coming weeks, further response efforts will be developed and announced after we hear from our colleagues in New Orleans. As a variety of opportunities present themselves--blood drives, collections of various kinds, and so forth.

Based on this announcement, Loyola University Chicago has had over 300 applications and expect to admit and register over 200. Our alumni, faculty, staff and others in the community have volunteered their homes in the event we need assistance with housing, given the fact Loyola's on-campus housing is 98% filled. We are also providing those in need with books, essentials, linens, food service, etc.

Trinity Christian College:

As you are aware, there is great need and suffering along the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans. A good number of faculty, staff, and student leaders met yesterday to formulate our response. I trust you were at convocation this morning where you learned about one of those responses: a fund drive that will channel funds to a relief organization such as the American Red Cross or the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee.

Other responses are being developed. The student ministries team is at work, laying plans for ways we can be in prayer and in action. The social justice committee is developing ways to keep all of us educated about events along the Gulf Coast. We are trying to determine whether our partner of 12 years past, the Methodist church in Dulac, LA, a very poor coastal village of Houma Indians, is in need. Other staff and students have stepped forward, indicating other possible partners, so I trust sometime soon we’ll identify specific partners for whom we can pray and assist.

Also, we know there are college students in the Chicago metropolitan area that are unable to begin their fall semesters in New Orleans or other coastal areas; the universities and colleges to which they were attending or starting will not be opening their doors for some time. Rather than missing out on an entire semester, we’re eager to help any student spend the fall semester at Trinity in order to keep progressing in their college journey. Our admissions personnel are ready to assist, so that students can start classes during the week of September 4. We’re using our networks to make this expedited admissions opportunity known.

Please join these efforts as well as those you are encountering at your churches and home communities. Let us pray fervently that physical, emotional, and spiritual needs will be met—especially in the city of New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. Dr. Steve Timmermann, Trinity Christian College

Rend Lake College

At Rend Lake College, we are accepting donations from staff, faculty and students and will forward one donation from the college to the Red Cross for Relief Efforts.  We have also offered free tuition to Illinois students displaced from their college or university by the hurricane.

Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University will accept students. See details on our website at Saturday’s football game will be a fundraiser.

Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) will provide assistance to those students who are not able to continue with their higher education plans because of the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Northeastern Illinois University will:

• Fast track University admission and registration

• Provide special counseling to find the academic courses that meet the educational needs of the students

• In cases where needed course sections are closed due to enrollment limits, work with professors to see if accommodations can be made to admit these students in the closed section

• Provide targeted student support services to assist students with any other needs (e.g., locating housing)

• For students that are residents of the state of Illinois, waive fall tuition and mandatory fees (with proof of Fall 2005 enrollment at a higher education institution in the affected area)

• For students that are not residents of the state of Illinois, waive the out-of-state tuition charge so that these students pay the in-state tuition charge (with proof of Fall 2005 enrollment at a higher education institution in the affected area) and provide flexible payment plans to meet the needs of these students

Students should contact Northeastern Illinois University Office of Enrollment Services as soon as possible by calling (773) 442-4022. NEIU will continue to admit displaced students, based on available space, for the fall semester under these provisions until September 10, 2005.

Dominican University

Dominican University, River Forest, IL joins other institutions of higher education to support those who have been affected by the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. As a community of faith, committed to truth, compassionate service and a more just and humane world, Dominican University’s prayers go out to the families and communities devastated by the hurricane.

The Office of Admission at Dominican University is working with a number of students who have been displaced by the hurricane and several have registered for the fall semester. Dominican is offering the following support:

❑ Expedited admission process

❑ Application fees waived

❑ Expedited advising

❑ Full consideration for scholarships and financial aid

❑ Students allowed to register without financial plans in place

Dominican’s classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 7 although the university will accept students until September 14. Campus housing is also available for students needing this support.

In addition, a wide-ranging Dominican University Relief Fund is underway with various events and campus donation drop off sites, including the availability of coupons in the university bookstore where students can easily donate to the relief efforts. The university will collect funds on behalf of Catholic Charities, USA. In addition to immediate relief efforts we are exploring ways to discuss the long-term political, social and environmental repercussions of the hurricane within our community.

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College admissions personnel have begun to receive calls from parents and students displaced by the unprecedented natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina. Institutionally, we are primarily concerned with the care of the people immediately affected and in need of basic services.

We join our colleagues throughout Higher Education, as well as the National Association of College Admissions Counseling in offering advice and counseling to affected students. We encourage students whose education has been disrupted by this disastrous circumstance to patiently consider all of their options, including taking a semester off. However, there is great uncertainty of when students may enroll in their respective institutions affected by this disaster, which is leading displaced students to seek alternative plans to further their education. In response to these concerned inquiries, we are informing high school counselors, as well as any displaced students and their families of the resources and potential for immediate enrollment to Lake Forest College.

Lake Forest College may accommodate a limited number of students who may apply as “Special Students.” Credits earned are fully transferable as displaced students return to their college or university of choice and students may take courses on a part-time or full-time basis. This enrollment option is currently intended only for students affected by this disaster.

As the fall semester is already in progress, enrollment as a Special Student is limited to the available space in specific courses. Permission to register in a course must also be granted by the faculty. The College is open for registration appointments on Monday, September 5 (Labor Day). A Special Student Application is available on our Web site. Please contact Bill Motzer, Vice President for Admissions and Career Services to discuss admission as a Special Student, as well as for information about available courses. His contact information is listed below. The last day for registration as a Special Student is Wednesday, September 7, 2005.

The Lake Forest College community continues to support relief efforts and extends heartfelt hope for the quick recovery of all affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Lincoln Land Community College

The Student Life Office coordinated a fundraiser for the Red Cross raising over $1,000 in just 5 days and a food and clothing drive for the Salvation Army. In addition, the Geography/Geology Club is having a raffle with all proceeds going to hurricane victims.

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