For more information for Texas Tech University,
call (806) 742-0000.
For Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, call (806) 743-2300 or e-mail
katrina@ttu.edu.
Texas Tech Responds to Hurricane Katrina
LUBBOCK – Students currently enrolled at universities hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina will be eligible to attend fall semester classes at Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, officials at both universities announced Friday.
So far, six undergrads and three law students from the Gulf Coast area have been admitted to Texas Tech and about 10 inquiries have been received.
"Both universities stand ready to assist our colleagues and students hardest hit by the hurricane," said David R. Smith, chancellor of Texas Tech University System. "We regret this terrible tragedy and will do whatever we can to assist as those institutions of higher education devastated by the storm work to get back into operation."
Texas Tech President Jon Whitmore said the school will open its doors and expedite enrollment processes so that students can continue with classes.
"We deeply regret this tragedy and are offering a temporary academic solution until these students and faculty can return to their own universities and colleges," Whitmore said.
Health Sciences Center President M. Roy Wilson echoed Whitmore's sentiments and said the university community will do all it can to help provide any assistance it can to students affected by the hurricane.
"The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is stepping up to provide our support to our colleagues and students in this great time of need," said Wilson. "Our hope is to have all students in health professions to continue their education and continue their training."
Complete information about Texas Tech's response to Hurricane Katrina is available at
www.katrina.ttu.edu. A hot line has been set up at the university and will be available over the holiday weekend. The number is (806) 742-0000.
At Texas Tech University:
Enrollment questions should be directed to the Office of Enrollment Management at (806) 742-1480.
Students from any state will be admitted on a non-degree basis through Sept. 13. After that date, university officials will work with students on a case-by-case basis.
Application fees will be waived for all undergraduate and graduate students who are admitted.
The university will waive emergency loan fees.
The university will waive certain tuition and fees for this fall semester as allowed by law to enable students to enroll.
The university can accommodate displaced faculty researchers. Texas Tech will welcome them as visiting scholars, and our scholars are willing to share research space and central equipment.
There are opportunities for K-12, undergraduate and graduate students to temporarily continue their academic development through both online and print-based distance learning courses through the Division of Outreach and Extended Studies. Enrollment and other information is available online at
www.dce.ttu.edu or by calling (800) 692-6877.
The Graduate School will work on a one-to-one basis with those students who have no need for coursework, but who need use of library and research facilities.
The Office of Residence Life has identified space for college students who need to relocated from the storm-damaged area and will work with interested students on a one-to-one basis. For information, call (806) 742-2542.
The Texas Tech Center for Campus Life will serve as a clearinghouse for students, faculty and staff desiring to get involved in the relief effort. The Red Cross is now assessing its needs. Once that process is completed, the Center for Campus Life will match up those desiring to volunteer with opportunities. The university community may call (806) 742-5433 for volunteer information.
At the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:
The School of Pharmacy could open up its school to 24 students (six students per class). The School of Allied Health Sciences has availability for up to 30-50 students, throughout most of their programs (2-3 students per program per class).
The School of Medicine has offered to take an additional 48 students, up to 12 per class, distributed over the four Health Sciences Center campuses.
They are also investigating their ability to provide assistance to graduate trainees in some of the medical specialties.
The School of Nursing could accept 10 students in the accelerated program, two students in the undergraduate program, and starting next semester, 15 students in the RN to BSN program.
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is willing to work with students on a one-to-one basis to try to locate faculty who may be able to help with research facilities.
The Preston Smith Library of the Health Sciences will offer privileges to all visiting students and make their facilities available, providing electronic access to the library collection from any of the Health Sciences Center campuses.
The Health Sciences Center will seek support from the Board of Regents and the State of Texas to waive certain tuition and fees on an emergency basis.
The Health Sciences Center has received an outpouring of calls from students from all schools wanting to volunteer their help. In an effort to help those in need, many students want to travel to the area of destruction. Early next week, the Health Sciences Center will convene a meeting with the Student Government Association and local Red Cross, Salvation Army and Breedlove representatives to coordinate a response that will aid relief efforts. Together, they will put all their efforts where they will make the most impact.
All inquiries to the Health Sciences Center should be directed to Margaret Duran, Office of Student Services, (806) 743-2300.