UCI Response to Hurricane Katrina
September 13, 2005
Dear Colleagues:
The devastation to human life and property caused by Hurricane Katrina is of epic proportion. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the
hundreds of thousands of individuals impacted by this tragedy.
The University of California, Irvine is currently engaged in a number of efforts aimed at assisting those whose lives have been touched by
this unprecedented event. A summary of these activities, along with resources and information for those wishing to offer support, can be
viewed at: http://today.uci.edu/resources/hurricane_relief.asp.
For undergraduate students temporarily displaced from their colleges and universities by the hurricane, the Office of Student Affairs is
offering “visiting student” status for one quarter, which will enable them to make reasonable academic progress until they can return to
their home institutions. UCI also has measures in place to help current UCI students who may need hurricane-related leaves of
absence. Complete information for undergraduate students can be viewed at: http://www.vcsa.uci.edu/hurricane.html. Penny Harrell is the contact person for undergraduate student matters. She can be reached at plharrel@uci.edu or (949) 824-4898.
The Office of Research and Graduate Studies also is offering a number of options to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and faculty
displaced or otherwise impacted adversely by Katrina; these are summarized at: http://www.rgs.uci.edu/grad/KatrinaRelief.htm. Bill Parker, vice chancellor for research and dean of graduate studies, is
the contact person for these efforts; he can be reached at whparker@uci.edu or (949) 824-5796.
I am deeply grateful to the many offices and people at the university who have come together so quickly to respond to this tragedy. Your
efforts are a visible demonstration of our core values of respect and appreciation for others and commitment to our work. I have no doubt
that your endeavors will make a significant and important difference in the lives of many individuals affected by this catastrophe.
Michael Drake, M.D.
Chancellor
