September 02, 2005

PASSHE offers admission to students affected by Hurricane Katrina

Contact: Kevin Hensil, khensil@passhe.edu

The 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Universities will open their doors to students from Pennsylvania who were enrolled this semester in colleges or universities in New Orleans that have been forced to close in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Students from the affected area who wish to take classes at any of the PASSHE universities should contact the school to determine course availability. (See contact information on following page.) Students will be offered enrollment on a space available basis and tuition will be waived.

“We want to reach out to the students and their families whose educations and lives have been disrupted by this terrible tragedy,” said PASSHE Board of Governors Chairman Kenneth M. Jarin. “Our hearts go out to all of those who have been affected.”

Governor Edward G. Rendell offered his support to the PASSHE outreach effort.

“Hurricane Katrina is having a serious impact on the lives of so many Americans and we want to do what we can to lessen its effect on people and families, especially our young people,” Governor Rendell said.  “After talking with Chairman Jarin and Chancellor Judy Hample, we are opening the doors at our 14 state universities to Pennsylvania students studying at colleges and universities in the New Orleans area.  We want to make certain that college and university students can continue their education and continue their lives.”

Classes at all 14 PASSHE Universities began Monday, the same day many of the colleges and universities in New Orleans and surrounding areas were slammed by Hurricane Katrina in one of the worst natural disasters ever to hit the United States. Thirteen public and private colleges and universities in New Orleans with a combined enrollment of more than 75,000 students are shut down as a result of the storm and its continuing effects.

At least some of the schools might not be able to reopen at all this semester because of damage caused by high winds and water. Nearly 20,000 students enrolled at the 13 colleges and universities live outside of Louisiana. It is not certain how many are from Pennsylvania.

“The PASSHE Universities are anxious to accommodate students from Pennsylvania whose universities in New Orleans are not operating,” said Chancellor Hample. “The Universities will work with students to help them get back into class as quickly as possible and to provide whatever other assistance they can during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, a number of students and staff from various PASSHE Universities either are on their way to the hurricane-stricken region or already have arrived there to assist in relief and recovery efforts. Several are members of National Guard units that have been called to duty. A number of campus organizations also are raising money to assist the American Red Cross and other groups that are helping with the relief effort.

Below are the toll-free telephone numbers for the admissions offices at the PASSHE Universities:

Bloomsburg – (800) 745-7320

California – (888) 412-0479

Cheyney – (800) 243-9639

Clarion – (800) 672-7171

East Stroudsburg – (877) 230-5547

Edinboro – (888) 846-2676

Indiana – (800) 442-6830

Kutztown – (877) 628-1915

Lock Haven – (800) 332-8900

Mansfield – (800) 577-6826

Millersville – (800) 682-3648

Shippensburg – (800) 822-8028

Slippery Rock – (800) 929-4778

West Chester – (877) 315-2165