College Park Scholars Response to Hurricane Katrina
Greig Stewart, Executive Director September 5, 2005
Due to the events stemming from Hurricane Katrina, many students, faculty, and staff
have been coming forward with similar questions and offers of assistance. Please review the
following as it relays what has currently been set up by the Cambridge Community, College Park
Scholars, and the University of Maryland. Last week, during our Annual Service Day, a team of
College Park Scholars freshmen and alumni volunteered at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington,
D.C. The work they did contributed directly to sending food for 8,000 persons in the affected
region. We are currently in touch with CAFB to see if we can provide further support toward their
FEMA projects. In the event that you have questions or need assistance during this difficult
time, as always, please contact your Resident Assistant, Resident Director, Program Faculty, or the
Scholars Central Office.
University Statements
President C.D. Mote
Like the nation as a whole, the campus community is shocked by the devastation being wrought by Hurricane Katrina on Louisiana and the rest of the Gulf States. Emergencies like this one call for all of us to step beyond our normal practices to extend a strong hand to the people who need us so much.
The University of Maryland has opened its doors, hearts and arms to the affected students and faculty from Tulane and elsewhere. We will help them to the extent possible by minimizing administrative procedures for those who come to College Park to continue their studies and work. Substantial numbers of students have enrolled already and we do expect more.
I join with the campus staff, students and faculty in the call for personal support, as well as sympathy for all those affected by the disaster. A website listing organizations accepting donations is: http://www.fema.gov/.
C. D. Mote, Jr.
President
Provost William Destler
Members of the Campus Community:
A number of you have expressed concern that the University do all it can to help with the horrific situation on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and Dr. Mote has asked me to inform you of steps we are taking to help.
We have been contacted by numerous students from the State of Maryland who were planning to attend colleges and universities in the affected areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, and we are expeditiously admitting and enrolling qualified students for the Fall semester both as new freshmen and transfers. So far, thanks to the commendable work by staff in our Admissions and Registrar's office, the University has welcomed more than 100 of these students.
In addition, we are currently discussing with other colleges and universities the idea of sending teams of staff to the affected areas temporarily to help address critical infrastructure needs. We are also considering the idea of encouraging donations to the various relief efforts at the Clemson football game to be held at Byrd Stadium on September 10.
I hope that all of you will find a way to contribute to those affected by this natural disaster. We have provided a link to appropriate relief organizations on the campus Web site, http://www.umd.edu/.
William W. Destler
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Contact Information
Should you have any further questions, please contact the appropriate office on campus:
- Cambridge Community Resident Life: 301-314-7925
- Cumberland Desk: 301-314-2864
- Centreville Desk: 301-314-2368
- College Park Scholars: 301-314-2777
- Health Center: 301-314-8180
- Counseling Center: 301-314-7651
- Office of Community Service Learning: 301-314-2273
