SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Sept. 8 (AScribe Newswire) -- Missouri State University has implemented several short-term plans and is developing long-term plans to address hurricane relief needs.
"A committee of students, faculty, staff and administrators has been formed to plan our university's response and coordinate efforts to meet long-term and short-term needs of our students who have been effected by the hurricane, as well as the needs of hurricane refugees in our region and those victims who remain in the disaster area," said Dr. Don Aripoli, vice president for student affairs. "We want to ensure that our support continues throughout the coming year."
University identifies apartments for hurricane refugees:
The university is making 11 apartments available for hurricane refugees. There will be no charge for rent and utilities. The office of residence life and services will be working with Red Cross staff and volunteers, who are located at Remingtons in Springfield, to place families in eight of the one-bedroom apartments. The remaining three apartments will be offered to homeless families with ties to Missouri State University. Each apartment can accommodate a six-person family. The apartments will be available for at least five months.
Donations accepted at first home football game:
Members of the Bears athletic teams and Student Government Association will be accepting donations at Missouri State's first home football game on Sept. 10. All contributions will be donated to Convoy of Hope for hurricane relief efforts.
Campus community pulls together for hygiene drive:
Plaster Student Union, in partnership with the Student Government Association, is sponsoring a hygiene kit drive through Sept. 23 for Hurricane Katrina victims. Completed kits will be delivered to Convoy of Hope along with a $3 donation to cover the shipping cost of each kit. Campus Volunteer Center to connect volunteers with agencies
The Missouri State University Campus Volunteer Center will serve as a university clearing house for students, faculty, staff or groups who want to donate time locally to the hurricane relief effort. The Volunteer Center contacted local agencies to identify volunteer needs and will be working with the Student Government Association to fill those needs.
Public Affairs Week to shift focus toward hurricane:
Missouri State University will celebrate Public Affairs Week Sept. 12-15. Events throughout the week will be adapted to address hurricane relief efforts. A concert previously planned for Sept. 12 will benefit hurricane relief. Volunteer efforts on Service Day, Sept. 14, will also benefit refugees.
Fall enrollment opportunities offered for students displaced by storm:
In the days following the hurricane, Missouri State University enrolled seven students whose universities have been temporarily closed due to hurricane or flood damage. Missouri residents who were enrolled in a college or university that has been closed by the hurricane or flooding will have their basic (per credit hour) fees waived for the semester. Out-of-state students will be assessed the basic fee but will have their out-of-state fees waived for the semester. Students will be enrolled on a "visiting" basis. Students would be responsible for student service fees and other incidental costs. Students who choose to live on campus will be given a prorated cost for housing.
University plans for continuing needs:
A committee has been formed to develop relief efforts throughout the fall term. These could include clothing drives, fundraisers, Thanksgiving and Christmas donation programs, volunteer support and eventually assistance with construction and rebuilding efforts.
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CONTACT: Dr. Don Aripoli, 417-836-5526
Media Contact: Dr. Don Aripoli, 417-836-5526
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