Bowling Green, Ky. - As the Western Kentucky University community looks for ways to assists those devastated by Hurricane Katrina, WKU President Gary Ransdell today announced actions to coordinate that response.

"Our intent at WKU is to coordinate our efforts to the extent possible and practical, and to extend our efforts beyond the immediate weeks ahead," Dr. Ransdell said. "We also want to be sure we are thoughtful for those areas in need and prudent across our own campus. Everyone wants to help. Let’s try to make sure we are considerate of our colleagues here and of optimum impact to those who need us the most."

In a message to students, faculty and staff, Dr. Ransdell outlined 10 actions for the campus community to embrace:

Student Admissions

WKU will admit students currently enrolled at any college or university in the Gulf Coast region free of any tuition obligation. "If a student has already paid tuition at another institution, we will not expect them to pay us to take classes here," Dr. Ransdell said. If a student is not enrolled (i.e., not already paid tuition somewhere else), then WKU will ask the student to pay in-state tuition rate regardless of the state from which they are coming. These students will be asked to pay for books, meals, housing, and other personal items.

Student Organizations

WKU is encouraging student organizations to conduct organized events and activities to raise money or provide assistance. All organizations should inform Gene Tice, vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Services, of planned activities. "It is important that we be coordinated so as not to duplicate activities, experience conflicting events, or have multiple events at the same time or in the same place," Dr. Ransdell said. "Gene and his staff can provide helpful coordination."

Central Repository for Funds

WKU will set up a single central repository for funds which are raised throughout the campus through various campus efforts and by various campus organizations. The WKU account can have unlimited sub accounts designated for as many campus organizations as needed. “We want to insure proper recognition for any organization,” he said. “Our intent is to serve as a bank, handle proper accounting, and insure safe financial handling and distribution.” Ann Mead, chief financial officer, will establish the account and assist all campus groups in making sure organizational intent is achieved.

Funds Designation

Funds raised by WKU in general will be designated for two causes--the American Red Cross and a rebuilding fund for the University of New Orleans. "We all are aware of the noble efforts of the Red Cross. It will need all the money which we and others across the globe can raise," Dr. Ransdell said. "We are only now learning, however, about the daunting challenge which the University of New Orleans has in rebuilding."

The UNO campus is closed for the rest of this semester and its needs are great, he said. "UNO is a fellow Sun Belt Conference institution. Adopting our peer institution is the right thing for us to do," Dr. Ransdell added. "In addition to some of the funds we raise in the weeks ahead, I have also offered to host, in Diddle Arena, our men’s and women’s basketball games currently scheduled at Lakefront Arena at UNO (assuming that arena cannot be reopened in time for the coming season). We would pay UNO’s travel expenses and our essential game management costs out of our gate receipts and then send UNO the balance of the gate receipts to help them rebuild their campus. I have encouraged all other Sun Belt Conference schools to do the same."

Volunteer Efforts

Campus volunteer efforts will be coordinated by Cheryl Kirby-Stokes and the staff at the ALIVE Center. "Please contact Cheryl to volunteer your home or property for evacuees and displaced families who might be headed to Bowling Green," Dr. Ransdell said. "Also contact her if you wish to volunteer to assist the United Way in collecting and sorting items." Those who contribute items need to remember that new, unopened items are appreciated most. Glass containers or bags should be avoided as items will likely be stacked when shipped.

WKU-EKU Football Game

All who attend the WKU-EKU football game will have the opportunity to give generously. "We cannot allow ad hoc fund raising or collection efforts prior to and during Saturday’s football game," Dr. Ransdell said. "We have long-standing policies in this regard. However, we will be conducting two organized official efforts prior and during Saturday’s game."

Prior to the game, trucks from the American Red Cross and several local organizations will be used to collect canned goods and sealed-food products. The trucks will be located along the Avenue of Champions at the end of the practice football field across the street from the Preston Center. Spirit Masters and 5th year aid scholarship athletes will be stationed at each entrance to Smith Stadium to collect financial contributions.

Professional Services for Evacuees

John Bonaguro, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, will coordinate all faculty and students who wish to provide professional services for evacuees who come to the Bowling Green area and for those in the Gulf Coast region. “We have numerous skilled people who can offer meaningful assistance in the way of counseling, nursing, engineering, education, and so many other areas,” Dr. Ransdell said.

Faculty Transitions

John Petersen, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, will coordinate any faculty transitions for the short- or long-term for those on the faculty of any of the institutions in the Gulf Coast region. “Please contact John if you know of any faculty members who need assistance in sustaining their research or need a place to relocate for a few weeks or months,” Dr. Ransdell said. “We will welcome the teaching help or research efforts of those who seek to join us. We will handle the financial variables on a case-by-case basis.”

Habitat for Humanity

Efforts to work with Habitat for Humanity will be coordinated by Bryan Reaka in Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences and Doug Schmucker in Engineering. “Some may wish to travel to the impacted communities,” Dr. Ransdell said. “We will also explore the possibility of building a Habitat House right here on our campus which could be transported and placed at Habitat for Humanity’s discretion in a community where the need is greatest.”

Fall Break

Amanda Phillips in Student Affairs will coordinate all those students who wish to pursue an alternate Fall Break. Students and faculty and staff who may wish to volunteer to work locally in the Gulf Coast region to help clean up and rebuild rather than go to a recreational destination should contact Phillips.

"There will surely be other things and concepts which surface in the weeks and months ahead, but for now please consider these recommendations," Dr. Ransdell said. "Let’s work together and work smartly. We can make a difference."

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