UMD News

Director of Public Relations:
Susan Beasy Latto, slatto@d.umn.edu
315 Darland Administration Bldg.
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-8830 Cell: (218) 348-5688
Fax: (218) 726-7413

September 2, 2005

Contact:
Susan Beasy Latto Director, UMD Public Relations 218 726-8830 slatto@d.umn.edu
Bruce Gildseth, Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life 218 726-8501 bgildse1@d.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) announced today an emergency admissions policy to assist students who were already admitted or enrolled at colleges and universities affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"Hurricane Katrina is having such a catastrophic impact on the lives of so many people," said UMD Chancellor Kathryn A. Martin. "UMD wants to do what it can to assist students from Minnesota and elsewhere who were to start college classes in regions affected by the hurricane. UMD will expedite admissions for fall semester (which begins Tuesday, September 6) and spring semester, for impacted students."

The policy for hurricane-affected students includes:

• UMD will handle each request on a case-by-case basis.
• UMD will work to the best of its ability to admit qualified students for the fall 2005 semester, or, otherwise, the spring 2006 semester.
• UMD will give special consideration to student applicants, based on residency, with first consideration will be given to Minnesota residents.
• UMD Campus housing will be made available to as many new freshmen as possible.
• The UMD Office of Financial Aid & Registrar will work with each student on a case-by-case basis.

UMD will also do whatever is possible to provide research labs for university staff and faculty.

ANY STUDENT, AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA, WHO IS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING UMD SHOULD CONTACT VICE CHANCELOR BRUCE GILDSETH AT 218 726-8501 or bgildse1@d.umn.edu

MEDIA NOTE;
Media requesting to interview a student should contact Susan Beasy Latto at 218 726-8830 or slatto@d.umn.edu
UMD will work with students to determine whether or not they wish to speak to the media.
If a student is willing to speak to the media, UMD will respond to your request.