<p>September 2, 2005</p>
<p>Dear Members of the Tufts community:</p>
<p>Our attention continues to be focused on those who have suffered the
wrath of Hurricane Katrina. The people of the Gulf South face a
truly horrifying situation at this time, and our hearts go out to
them. I hope that Tufts students, faculty and staff will engage in
a number of activities related to relief, especially after officials
gain better control of the area and it is clear how our community
can be of assistance. I challenge each of you to think about how
you can make a difference. One measure of the justness of a society
is how it treats its most vulnerable members. Those suffering at
the hands of Katrina are in dire need. We all must help.</p>
<p>More immediately, we are making plans to welcome undergraduates from
Tulane University to Tufts, as guest students for the fall semester
2005. Details of the plan are still being confirmed, but we have
created a process that will enable Tulane students to begin or
continue their undergraduate work here for a semester. </p>
<p>We recognize Tulane University as a sister institution that is
academically similar to Tufts. The American Council on Education is
encouraging institutions throughout the nation to pair up with peer
institutions to offer assistance. Handling admissions in this way
allows each institution to forego a formal admissions review of
individual applicants thus expediting enrollment. Tufts is pleased
to be able to help the Tulane community through our efforts.</p>
<p>The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is working with candidates
for this program. I want to thank all those involved at Tufts who
created this emergency response, and I ask everyone in our community
to give the incoming Tulane students a warm welcome.</p>
<p>I also would like to ask our Tufts students who are willing to
double or triple up in their Medford/Somerville on-campus housing in
order to accommodate a Tulane student to please contact the Office
of Student Life. This is one way you can help.</p>
<p>The intent of this program is simply to allow Tulane students to
progress academically. Tufts will not charge tuition to the
students, but will collect fees for Tulane if tuition balances are
due. The funds in turn will be returned to Tulane when the
university resumes operations. Tulane will need these resources as
they seek to rebuild their campus.</p>
<p>The relief efforts in the Gulf region are likely to go on for many
months, perhaps longer. I hope we as a community will continue to
demonstrate the compassion, generosity, and commitment to helping
others that is so much a part of the Tufts tradition. Before too
long, the media will turn to other stories. Yet the people in the
Gulf region will still need our help. Let us not forget them.</p>
<p>I am grateful for all of the expressions of concern that you have
shared with me. We have an incredibly caring community. Thank you.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Lawrence S. Bacow
President</p>