MADISON-University of Wisconsin System campus communities are offering support to students affected by the effects of Hurricane Katrina, President Kevin P. Reilly said Friday.
“Many UW campuses are offering ways to help college students and others whose lives have been ripped apart by this ongoing disaster,” Reilly said. “I believe the resources we can offer as a community of higher education will help many of the victims to recover and move forward.”
Reilly noted that several UW campuses are prepared to welcome students enrolled in colleges or universities that are closed because of damage from the hurricane. For example, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Waukesha, and UW-Whitewater are working to help students with opportunities to earn college credits that can be easily transferred to their schools once they reopen, as well as assistance with financial aid and housing arrangements.
The UW System Higher Education Location Program, or UW HELP, is ready to answer questions and connect students with specific UW campuses who can serve their needs. UW HELP can be reached by phone at 1-800-442-6459.
“I thank UW campuses for stepping up to offer these students a chance to recover and maintain their footing on the path of higher education,” Reilly said. “We are working systemwide to do as much as we possibly can, which is why we’ve engaged our UW HELP toll-free hotline as a central resource that can respond to inquiries and calls for assistance.”
UW campuses are also raising donations and providing aid for students and families whose homes have been destroyed by the storm, as well as for National Guard members called to duty.
“The students and staff who have been called to help in the relief efforts have the backing of the entire UW System, and we thank them for their service to this worthy cause.” Reilly said. “I hope our efforts here in Wisconsin will make these life-altering circumstances a little less painful for the hurricane’s victims. Our hearts go out to each of the families affected by this disaster, and we are here to do what we can to help.”