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Sept. 2, 2005
Contact: Gordon Ovenshine 274-738-4854;
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
SRU OFFERS TUITION WAIVER TO PENNSYLVANIA
STUDENTS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA; STUDENT BODY CONTRIBUTES
$5,000 TO RELIEF EFFORTS
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock
University will open its doors to students from Pennsylvania who
were enrolled this semester in colleges or universities in the New
Orleans area that have been forced to close in the aftermath of
Hurricane Katrina.
Students from the affected region can attend SRU
tuition free during the fall semester. The 13 other Pennsylvania
State System of Higher Education universities waived tuition as
well in a policy approved Friday by the state system's board of
governors.
SRU will also supply free housing to Pennsylvania
residents who enroll. Students do not have to meet SRU's normal
enrollment guidelines.
"We want to reach out to students and families
whose lives have been disrupted by Hurricane Katrina," SRU
President Robert M. Smith said. "Our hearts go out to all of those
who have been affected. In keeping with the philosophy of this
institution, Slippery Rock University is responding with compassion
and benevolence. We want to make sure young people can continue
their education and can continue their lives."
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.
Students from the affected area who wish to take
classes at SRU should contact the Office of Admissions as soon as
possible at (800) 929-4778.
Caring nature
A number of SRU students are on their way to the
hurricane-stricken region or already have arrived there to assist
in relief and recovery efforts. Sixteen students either volunteered
for or are members of National Guard or Reserve units that have
been called to active duty.
Earlier this week, SRU's Office of Student Life
launched a fund-raising drive. By Friday, students had contributed
$5,000 for distribution to the American Red Cross.
In addition, any university employee wishing to
request civil leave with pay to assist in the flood relief will be
permitted if the request is reasonable.
#PN, PR, PgN
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