The University of Cincinnati Katrina Relief Plan

Institutions involved:  University of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University, Xavier University, Thomas More College, Cincinnati State, College of Mount Saint Joseph, and Gateway Community College.

Main thrust of Relief Effort:  The primary assistance requested and needed is money for the Red Cross.  All institutions agreed to donate funds to the Red Cross.  As students may be unable to donate cash, they may be asked to volunteer time to load trucks with supplies or to collect other items that can also be donated through the Salvation Army.

Time Frame for Relief Effort:  Relief efforts began September 1 and will end November 1, 2005.

Assistance for Displaced Students & Faculty:  Our priority will be to assist students and then faculty from the affected Gulf Coast region schools.  Both undergraduate and graduate students who are Ohio residents either have been admitted already or are being processed for admission.

Strategy for Relief Effort:  UC will establish a vehicle for employees to offer financial assistance.  An option to donate to Hurricane Katrina relief will be communicated to students and employees by September 9.  Several locations across campus will be designated to accept cash donations. An account has already been set up.  Other initiatives (benefit events, collections, etc.) are expected to happen as students return to classes and the Autumn Quarter gets underway.

Communications:   Information will go out to targeted populations as needed.  Friday, September 9 is the goal for a communication to employees (how to connect and what to do).  Information for faculty and administrative areas regarding admissions and financial aid issues will be prepared.  Student efforts will take place as they return and begin developing events and initiatives.  Final communication and publicity will focus on the amount raised in total and will allow the Presidents of each institution to announce results publicly. 

Questions/Concerns:  Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kathy Ogden in VP Livingston’s office.  Her phone is 556-4119 and the e-mail is kathy.ogden@uc.edu.

Information Regarding Other UC-based Relief Initiatives:   Kathy Ogden is collecting information on any relief efforts at UC (beyond the coordinated fundraising) and a sampling of what other institutions are doing.  We also have a list of suggestions offered.

Revised: 9/9/05