Missouri Southern News
JOPLIN, MO (SNS) – Missouri Southern State University announced today several provisions to help students in the Gulf Coast region displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Other colleges and universities in Missouri and across the country are making efforts to assist as many as 75,000 students displaced.
Students in regions affected by the hurricane may enroll in regular classes at Missouri Southern for the fall 2005 semester at in-state tuition rates. Late enrollment fees will be waived and every effort will be made to expedite the enrollment process,
University officials stated. Students interested in enrolling at Missouri Southern should contact the Admissions Office at (417) 781-6778 or toll-free at (866) 818-6778.
“Missouri Southern will make every accommodation possible to assist displaced students or students whose studies may be interrupted,” stated Dr. Julio S. León, MSSU President.
“The nation is reaching out to help the victims of this disaster and we want to offer students who may be staying with friends or families in this region an opportunity to continue their studies while they work to get their lives back to as normal a routine as possible,” the MSSU President stated.
Dr. Richard McCallum, Vice President for Academic Affairs, indicated that the displaced students also will be able to take advantage of delayed start classes that begin Sept. 19 and Oct. 17. Internet classes also may be an option for some students.
Accommodations also are being made for currently enrolled Missouri Southern students who have family directly involved in the disaster or who are involved in relief efforts.
Cash donations also are being collected at the Student Services Office on the second floor of Billingsly Student Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. While many agencies are involved in the relief effort, Missouri Southern’s contributions will be directed to the American Red Cross.
Missouri State University extends assistance to hurricane victims
Date: Sept. 1, 2005
Contact: Dr. Don Aripoli
(417) 836-5526
SPRINGFIELD ― Missouri State University is offering special assistance to students displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
“Missouri State University recognizes the severity of this disaster and stands ready to do whatever it can to help students who have been affected,� said Missouri State President Michael Nietzel. “Our offer of assistance is the right thing to do, and it exemplifies the university’s commitment to its public affairs mission.�
Missouri residents who were enrolled at a college or university that has been closed due to the hurricane and who choose to enroll at Missouri State will have their basic (per credit hour) fees waived for the semester.
Out-of-state students who were enrolled at a college or university that has been closed due to the hurricane and who choose to enroll at Missouri State will be assessed the basic fee but will have their out-of-state fees waived for the semester.
Students would be responsible for student services fees and other incidental costs. Students who choose to live on campus will be given a prorated cost for housing.
“We need to recognize that in addition to immediate needs, victims of this storm will need support for an extended period of time. Our planning will address both needs,� said Dr. Don Aripoli, vice president for student affairs. “Missouri State is also reaching out to offer support to currently enrolled students whose permanent residence is in either Louisiana or Mississippi.�
Students interested in enrolling at Missouri State University should contact Don Simpson, assistant vice president for enrollment services, at (417) 836-5521.