UMass Amherst Enrolls Displaced Students, Collects Funds for Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Sept. 15, 2005

Contact:

News Contact: Ed Blaguszewski 413/545-0444

AMHERST, Mass. - In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, UMass Amherst is enrolling students displaced by the storm on a fast-track basis and supporting relief efforts for victims along the Gulf Coast. Details on how to make donations are provided below.

For details about admission for displaced students, families should contact the Admissions Office directly at 413/545-0222.

Kevin Kelly, director of admissions, reports his office has received about 60 inquiries from displaced students interested in attending UMass Amherst. Four first-year students and nine transfer students have enrolled. Because campus housing is tight, the first-year students will temporarily live in one of four local hotels with other UMass students. Classes began Wednesday, Sept. 7.

“These students and their families are in need, and the UMass community is focused on helping them,” Kelly said. “The Admissions staff is working closely with Financial Aid, the Registar, the Bursar and the Office of Information Technologies to make all the necessary arrangements. Even those students who chose to enroll at another institution are very grateful for the consideration that we have extended them."

Undergraduate students displaced from attending colleges and universities due to Hurricane Katrina will be able to attend public colleges and universities in Massachusetts tuition-free this fall, following a voted by the state Board of Higher Education.

Members of the campus community concerned about students living or studying in the Gulf Coast should contact the Dean of Students Office at 413/545-2684.

How to Help the Victims

Meanwhile, the UMass Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC) office has announced that it will serve as a collection site for special funds that have been established to assist in the relief efforts. Employees and students may make financial donations at the following collection sites:

* UMACC Office 305 Whitmore

* Chancellor’s Office 374 Whitmore

* Alumni Relations, Memorial Hall, 1st floor reception area

* Health Services, Room 260

* Office of Information Technologies/Telecommunications, 101 University Drive Suite B1

* Athletic Director’s Office, 308 Mullins Center

* Commonwealth College Office, Goodell Building Room 408

Additional collection sites are being established and will be announced shortly.

The following charities have are putting 100 percent of contributions toward the relief efforts. No administrative costs will be deducted.

* American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund

* Lend A Hand/United Way

* Salvation Army Serving Storm Survivors

Employees wishing to increase or begin payroll deductions through the UMACC program may send e-mail to
ltousign@admin.umass.edu. Please specify the charity, the bi-weekly amount, and the number of pay periods the deduction should continue. There are eight pay periods remaining in calendar year 2005.

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