TORONTO, September 12, 2005 -- In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, York University is offering immediate assistance to displaced students, while developing a longer-term response to assist the devastated region.
York President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna Marsden has asked Sheila Embleton, Vice-President Academic, to assume responsibility for receiving inquiries from undergraduate and graduate students from the affected universities who may be interested in temporary enrolment at York. Dr. Embleton will review each case on an individual basis and will work with these students to identify the best solution. “We will be as flexible as possible and do our best to accommodate the academic needs of these students,” said Dr. Embleton. In addition, York housing staff will offer their services in helping to locate off-campus housing.
The University also recognizes that there may be displaced faculty from the region who may wish to explore the possibility of establishing an arrangement with the university. For these individuals, consideration will be given to extending privileges similar to those enjoyed by visiting scholars to York, such as library and e-mail access and the ability to join research groups.
Displaced students and faculty from the region should contact Dr. Embleton directly at embleton@yorku.ca, 416-736-5280 (phone) or 416-736-5876 (fax).
In the aftermath of the hurricane, the affected region and its educational institutions will face enormous, long-term challenges. The University is welcoming ideas and suggestions from individual faculty, departments, students and administrators on how best to provide sustainable, long-term support and assistance. “The goodwill and desire to help the survivors of the hurricane-battered Gulf Coast is truly institution-wide. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be exploring ways to forge relationships with those in the region and leverage the knowledge and problem-solving abilities of our community,” said Embleton. Comments and suggestions from interested members of the York community should also forwarded to the Office of the Vice-President Academic.
Information is also available for those who may wish to make a donation to charitable organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross or the Canadian Salvation Army.
