Katrina Disaster Response

"The entire Cornell community recognizes the terrible plight of our colleagues at Tulane University. We want to do everything we can to help them in their time of need."

President Hunter R. Rawlings

The university is reaching out to the students and faculty at Tulane University, now closed for an indefinite period of time, with housing and a welcoming place to continue teaching and studying, and is also reaching out directly to students in other colleges in the affected area. Individuals and organizations in the Ithaca area are pitching in.

Cornell University to welcome Tulane students and faculty displaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

Cornell University President Hunter R. Rawlings announced today the university's decision to open its doors to students and faculty of Tulane University, which was closed due to devastating damage sustained from Hurricane Katrina.

Cornell has developed plans to admit Tulane undergraduate students as well as providing openings for graduate and post-doctoral students. At the same time, arrangements have been made to offer Tulane faculty members support, including the possibility of coming to Cornell as visiting faculty.

Emerging from a planning meeting with university's top administration and deans, Rawlings said: "The entire Cornell community recognizes the terrible plight of our colleagues at Tulane University. We want to do everything we can to help them in their time of need."

Recognizing that university housing is at capacity, Cornell will reach out to its entire community of faculty, staff and students to ask that they consider hosting Tulane students and faculty while at Cornell. Cornell will also be working with members of the Ithaca community to identify ways to provide additional needed support.