Details of the Graduate School's Policies and Procedures for Admitting Students from the Katrina-Affected Universities

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has so far admitted as non-degree students about two dozen undergraduates from Louisiana and neighboring states whose colleges were closed down following Hurricane Katrina. 

We anticipate that in the days, weeks, and months ahead some of our graduate faculty may receive inquiries about our accepting graduate students from universities affected by Katrina.  Here is a summary of the policies and procedures we have developed over the last few days, in conjunction with Undergraduate Admissions and the Board of Regents' decisions:

1.  UMBC Office of Graduate Enrollment will admit students on a visiting-student basis, as non-degree students.  We will be in conversation with the UMBC host graduate program so that they are involved in these actions.

2.  Students who have already paid tuition to their home campus and need a tuition waiver should contact Janet Rutledge in the Graduate School.  Otherwise they will be charged in-state tuition, regardless of their residency status.  A form letter from President Hrabowski will be placed in the student's folder to indicate (for auditing purposes) why the student is being granted in-state tuition.

3.  If the student does not have a copy of  his/her undergraduate or graduate transcript, or if official proof of admission to the home graduate school is not available, an e-mail communication from an appropriate home campus staff (registrar) or faculty stating that the student is an admitted graduate student will suffice.  We will prepare a "Katrina Memo" to put in the student's file indicating the reason for deviation from established policy.  If none of the above "proofs" is available, we will work with the student on a case-by-case basis.

4.  The student should contact the Office of Graduate Enrollment in the Graduate School or the appropriate graduate program.  They will be asked to submit a non-degree application; the application and late fees will be waived.  We will verify that we have an appropriate program here for them to "visit."  We will put them in touch with:
--the UMBC host graduate program
--the Office of Student Affairs
--the Off-Campus Student Services Office
--the Office of Financial Aid, if appropriate

Please contact Elizabeth Douglass, Director of Graduate Admissions if any questions remain unanswered (douglass@umbc.edu, 410.455.1337).