Wheaton offers assistance to students displaced by Katrina

Wheaton College has decided to establish an expedited admission/transfer process for students who are displaced by Hurricane Katrina and who live within commuting distance of the liberal arts college's campus in Norton, Mass.

President Ronald A. Crutcher said the decision to accept applications from students displaced by the devastating hurricane is inspired by the college community's desire to respond to the tragedy.

''The Wheaton community is deeply saddened by the enormous destruction and loss of life caused by Katrina,'' President Crutcher said. ''We are very concerned for the well-being of the more than 65 Wheaton alumnae/i who live in the Gulf Coast regions affected by the hurricane, and for all our friends and colleagues in the area.''

While Wheaton students and college officials are planning to join in relief efforts, the expedited admission process addresses the concerns of some local residents who intended to study in Louisiana, said Dean of Admission Gail Berson. Wheaton's admission office fielded a number of inquiries about admission to the school from displaced students who live in the Boston and Providence areas in the last few days.

Students who live within commuting distance of the college and who are interested in studying at Wheaton for the fall semester should contact the office of admissions immediately. Classes started at Wheaton on Aug. 31. For more information, please contact the admission office at 800-394-6003 or address email to admission@wheatoncollege.edu.

Wheaton alumnae/i who live in the Gulf Coast areas struck by Katrina, or have been in contact with classmates and friends from the area, are asked to contact the college's Office of Alumnae/i Relations and Annual Giving at 508-286-8207 or email alumnaei@wheatoncollege.edu.