As we all begin the fall semester, I know the disaster in the south is on our minds. The lives of so many people have been devastated. Colleges and universities across the country -- including Monroe Community College -- are stepping forward to help college students whose plans to study in Louisiana, Mississippi, and other areas affected by Hurricane Katrina are on indefinite hold.
MCC will do everything possible to help students whose college plans have been disrupted by Hurricane Katrina. Minimally, we will waive application and late registration fees for any student displaced by Katrina who would like to enroll at MCC. We will work with students on a case-by-case basis to make their change in educational plans as easy and worry-free as possible.
We are already seeing some impact from Hurricane Katrina. A few student-reservists have been called to active duty. Just as we did with reservists called to active duty in Iraq, we will assess each individual student's needs and ensure that they are met as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
If members of the Rochester community know of anyone whose college plans are disrupted by Hurricane Katrina, please have them call the Admissions Office at 585-292-2217.
SUNY has established a toll-free number for students and their families impacted by the hurricane. Impacted students who are interested in attending any of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities can call 1-800-481-2905. Discussions are ongoing about other ways to help at the state level.
Finally, let me echo the words of Susan Bender, coordinator of the Service-Learning Program, in Friday's Daily Tribune. All of us can do something to help. Please consider what you can do individually and collectively to make a difference in the lives of our fellow Americans who are in crisis in the Gulf region.
Thank you.
R. Thomas Flynn
President
09/06/2005 |