Since Katrina hit I have posted several articles on Dillard University, a school in New Orleans with ties to both the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. Dr. Marvelene Hughes, president of Dillard, has now been able to get out a message reporting on the university and their condition. Please take a moment to read her report and keep the Dillard community in your prayers.
To Our Students, Parents, Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Dillard University Ambassadors:
Dillard University is an institution with a rich, proud and triumphant history. Our beginnings are rooted in struggle and a committed determination to overcome social, political and environmental obstacles. For over a century, we have stood defiantly against these odds to create an institutional legacy of astonishing achievement, success and hope.
Today, we face a formidable challenge; however, we are equally resolute in our ability to recall our collective strength. We resolve to recommit to our future with full expectation that our beloved Dillard will remain one of the nation's premier institutions of higher learning. This journey to recovery will be long and arduous; we are guided by our unwavering belief and absolute confidence that Dillard University will be back and better.
We recognize during this immediate phase of recovery, repair and restoration that accurate and complete information is both empowering and comforting. To that end, we are prepared to provide our many constituents with information that has direct and vital impact on their lives and the future of Dillard University. Together, we have experienced a major event. Nevertheless, our faith and the great spirit of Dillard , New Orleans and Louisiana are unchecked and unchanged. God is still on the throne; help is on the way. Sooner than you can imagine, Dillard University will be BACK and BETTER. As you continue to diligently plan your future at Dillard University, the following information is provided: As of September 1, 2005, the students evacuated to Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana have been safely returned to their parents and guardians.
The President and Provost have committed to all registered students that they will not loose academic credit for this academic year. The Provost is currently developing a plan to provide the required weeks of instruction. Once developed, the plan will be available on [the temporary Dillard University] website.
Articulation agreements are being developed with other institutions which will allow students taking courses at these institutions to transfer those credits to Dillard. Courses taken must be appropriate to the major or major electives. Only general education course credits will be transferable from community or junior colleges. Seniors taking courses elsewhere will graduate with a Dillard University degree. The United Methodist Church has offered to provide financial assistance to students returning to the university once the crisis has subsided. Additional information will be available on this website. A book fund is also being established to assist students with replacing their books. The university engineers have reported that the campus experienced flooding in some buildings, roof damage on several building and tree loss. The President has been working closely with insurance companies, emergency preparedness managers and financial institutions to begin the process of restoring the campus. Instruction will resume immediately following the clearance to return to New Orleans. The President and Senior Cabinet are currently exploring options for alternative classroom space if it is needed. During this period before instruction resumes, we are urging students to continue their engagement with their course work as much as is possible. Specific suggestions that might be useful would be:
- Locate a library to access books and other references related to the course.
- Create, where possible, an email discussion group with other students in the course to begin discussions about the text, assignments and readings.
- Access, if possible, the Blackboard network which will be available on this website.
- Contact, when possible, the course instructor for on-line discussions and communications.
- Maintain a journal and record those ideas, impressions, feelings and observations that emerge during this period
- Read the major national newspapers which are available in most libraries.
- Bring an extra measure of patience as we move through this challenge. Things may appear hopeless presently but very soon, the circumstances will change for the better. We are a resilient and determined university community.
A locator registry will be established on this website to allow faculty, staff, alumni and friends to identify their location. An 800 number will be available for members of the university community to receive updated information regarding the condition of the university and ongoing operations.
The Dillard website will be updated regularly to provide the most available and accurate information regarding the repair and restoration of the university
Please understand that all scenarios are in the formative stage. We will communicate to you as soon as decisions are made regarding access to the campus and the time required for us to return to our fair Dillard. On behalf of the administrative team and the entire Dillard University family, please know that we will leave no stone unturned in our determination that Dillard University will be BACK AND BETTER as soon as humanly possible. Sincerely, Related Post: UCC-related colleges rally with support, placement for Dillard University students Related Post: UCC Related-Dillard University Evacuates
Marvelene Hughes, PhD
President, Dillard University
