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University Reaches Out St. Greg's to Assist Hurricane Victims with Education Needs SHAWNEE — We are now beginning to recognize that Hurricane Katrina has brought about a catastrophe of epic proportions. Our hearts go out to all of those affected. As a university, we have an opportunity and obligation to reach out to the higher education community in a particular way. The extent of issues faced by colleges and universities in the areas affected is yet unknown, but by all accounts are extensive at every level. By some estimates, approximately 94,000 college and university students have been displaced by this unprecedented natural disaster. As a Catholic and Benedictine university, we are called to reach out to others with compassion and hospitality. In order to reach out to and accommodate displaced students, I am enacting the following processes. 1. SGU will admit students on a full-time basis with some proof of enrollment at an affected school (student I.D., transcript for previous enrollment, business statement, etc.). 2. Enrollment for displaced students for the fall semester will close on Friday, September 16. 3. Federal Aid applications will be processed and awarded as additional information is forthcoming from the U.S. Department of Education. 4. Financial aid packages will be discussed on a case by case basis in a spirit of Benedictine hospitality to determine current need. These procedures represent our initial outreach to those who have been so dramatically impacted by this natural disaster. We as a university community can and will continue to determine additional ways in which we can help alleviate the suffering that so many are currently experiencing in the southern United States. Along with our own initiatives, I am keeping in close contact with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities to determine how we might participate in disaster relief efforts at a national level. Father Lawrence |