<p>As the parent of a Hurricane Katrina student, I want to let everyone who isn’t aware know what a wonderful job Bates has done opening its doors to these students.</p>
<p>In very short order (really, 24-48 hours), Bates put out the word that it would accept these kids as visiting students, tuition-free (assuming they had already paid tuition at their “real” college); held a mini-Orientation for them on Sunday, 9/4; helped them select and register for classes; and enabled them to start class on Monday 9/5 with the regular student body.</p>
<p>Everyone at the Dean of Students’ office has been accessible, helpful and quick to respond to all needs. Housing was found for many of the students. Several Bates Deans met over lunch with the students on 9/5 just to make sure that all was going well and help with continuing needs.</p>
<p>I know that colleges all across the country are doing similar things, but Bates is the one about which I have first-hand knowledge, and their certainly can’t be any institution anywhere which is doing a better job.</p>
<p>A sincere thank you.</p>