The University of Memphis is doing its part to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Starting today and ending tomorrow, monetary donations can be made at five locations on campus.
The University Library, the FedEx Institute of Technology, in room 235 of the Administration Building, the University Center information office and the information kiosk in Wilder Tower will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“This is a joint effort between the staff, faculty and students (to help in the relief effort),” said Carolyn Featherstone, faculty senate secretary.
Katrina left the Gulf coast in disarray and many people homeless.
“My grandparents live in Biloxi and their house is completely gone,” said freshman Adrienne Hawkins, whose grandparents are now staying with other family members here in Memphis.
While some may give from their purses or wallets, others are giving what money cannot buy.
Ralph Faudree, provost at The U of M, encourages students, staff and faculty to give blood.
The Lifeblood donation center is located on the second floor of The University Center bookstore.
The U of M is also trying to meet the academic needs of students affected by Katrina.
Any student who has enrolled in a university and has already paid tuition will be accepted to The University of Memphis and to any other state university in Tennessee, Faudree said.
If the student has not yet paid tuition they will be charged in-state tuition, which is less expensive than out-of-state fees.
“As a university we are going to do anything we can to assist any student that was accepted to any of these accredited universities in the area impacted,” Faudree said.
Students coming from other universities will not be the only ones to benefit. Faculty from other schools will also receive help.
“We encourage faculty-to-faculty interaction”, said Sheryl A. Maxwell, faculty senate president. “We are hoping that faculty will personally contact colleagues at universities affected, so they can tell other faculty members and their students about our arrangements to assist them.”
