In response to the effects of Hurricane Katrina, the University of Houston System is opening its doors to eligible students who were displaced from colleges and universities in the affected Gulf Coast area. The UH System has waived the application fee for students at any of these institutions, and admission officers are rapidly processing applications.
As of September 8, the Cullen College of Engineering has already enrolled at least 70 students from the University of New Orleans, Tulane University and Xavier University, according to Mary Schulz, academic advising specialist in the Engineering Dean’s Office.
“As long as there is room in the classroom, we’re putting these students in the classes," said Schulz. "We have been able to get almost every student into all of the same classes they were taking before, and everyone has left pleased and grateful.”
One mechanical engineering student from the University of New Orleans was surprised at the speed at which the students were admitted.
“I have been here for an hour and a half, and I already have my schedule and am starting classes Tuesday,” senior Rayn Saber said. “At any school, this would usually take two months.”
In order to expedite the admissions process, students are asked bring their student identification card, class schedule, letter of acceptance and their student aid report (SAR) from financial aid.
Donald Foss, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, said that UHS is “consulting with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop a process that allows us to receive the Louisiana students as in-state students for this semester.” Students who need financial aid are being advised to add the University of Houston to their FAFSA application at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
In addition, the UH Office of Residential Life and Housing said they are only requiring students to fill out an application with basic personal information to receive housing. They are currently making housing assignments in Moody Towers, the Quadrangle and Cougar Place with no immediate payment required.