More than 50 students from Tulane University and Loyola University have begun classes at Mississippi State University due to the widespread damage in New Orleans.
University administrators made the decision to open MSU’s doors to displaced students because of the school’s proactive stance on helping those affected.
“We’ve accepted 54 students on good faith, without any transcript or information from their previous school,” vice president for student affairs Bill Kibler said. “By registering these students under temporary status, they will be able to take whatever classes they need right now.”
Out-of-state tuition has been waived for those coming from Louisiana and Alabama, about 19 of the university’s visitors, registrar Butch Stokes said. “All of the new students met with advisors from their respective colleges and programs of study, deciding on a schedule that best suits them. The process is really no different than normal registration.
Housing has also been made available at Smith and Herbert Halls, Stokes said.
The displaced students come from the University of New Orleans, Tulane University, Xavier University, the University of Southern Mississippi and several community colleges in southern Mississippi.
All students, temporary or otherwise, are also eligible for the Student Relief Fund, Stokes said.
Vel Vuk, a junior music major from the University of New Orleans, said he was extremely surprised at how the university has treated him. “I don’t have to worry about housing because my parents live in Columbus, but I definitely have enjoyed my experience at Mississippi State so far.”
Students who decide to stay at MSU after their schools reopen may remain, Kibler said. “That’s not the university’s intention, though; we want them to be able to continue their education here for the time being, and make it as convenient for them as possible until their respective college or university reopens,” he said.
Students will be given a transcript upon their departure from Mississippi State; however, it is their original college of attendance that must make a decision on how to use the transcript.
“They can do one of two things: accept it as transfer credit or accept it as a class they would have taught at their campus,” Stokes said.