Belmont Abbey College Assists Students Affected By Hurricane; Abbey Offers Emergency Admission, Housing for College-Bound Students

In an effort to assist displaced students from Hurricane Katrina, who originally planned to attend a college or university in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama, Belmont Abbey College has announced it will offer emergency admission by extending the Colleges fall registration to Friday, September 9, 2005.

Belmont, NC (PRWEB) September 3, 2005 -- As relief efforts for those left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina continue to pour in from around the country, thousands of students who were already planning to attend classes in that area are now trying to figure out their options.

In an effort to assist displaced students who originally planned to attend a college or university in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama, Belmont Abbey College has announced it will offer emergency admission by extending the Colleges fall registration to Friday, September 9, 2005.

Our intention in offering assistance to these students is to allow them to progress in their studies at a safe haven until such time that they can return to their home institutions," says Dr. Dean de la Motte, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty.

"The College follows The Rule of Benedict, which ideally informs how we behave as a Catholic Benedictine institution of higher learning, stating that we should receive all visitors as Christ. This is our small way of living our mission and helping others in need following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," says de la Motte.

Students who academically qualify will be able to attend classes at the Abbey immediately, register for courses, and receive on-campus housing. The Abbey will make arrangements so that all coursework by displaced students will be applied and credit hours can be transferred. The College will also work on an individual basis with any students who may be in need of financial aid

Students who apply for admission after the Abbeys deadline may register in the ADP II Program and qualify for on-campus housing. Any students arriving after the beginning of ADP II, or who wish to postpone enrollment, will have the option of registering for classes in January.

According to de la Motte, the Abbey has already received a number of inquires from students and their families.

Meanwhile, students, faculty and staff at Belmont Abbey College are continuing to collect relief donations and supplies for victims of Hurricane Katrina and their families. A prayer vigil is also scheduled on campus for Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at 12:20 PM in front of the Student Commons. Belmont Abbey Colleges Office of Campus Ministry is inviting all to attend and pray for those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

For more information about emergency admission for displaced students, individuals may contact the Financial Aid Office at 704.825.6718. For questions or more information about donations or hurricane relief efforts at the Abbey, contact Residence Life at 704.825.6892.

Ranked one of the best comprehensive colleges in the Southeast by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, Belmont Abbey College celebrates excellence and virtue steeped in its 129-year Catholic Benedictine heritage. The liberal arts College is home to students from over 34 states and 26 countries and welcomes everyone from any background or tradition committed to this vision of excellence and virtue. The campus consists of the College, the Monastery and the Abbey Basilica, which can be found on its sprawling 650 acres of picturesque landscape.

Just minutes from Charlotte, NC, the nations second largest banking center, Belmont Abbey College offers students numerous internship opportunities and career placement.

The College believes in development of the whole person -- mind, body and spirit. By offering a wide array of clubs and activities including Division II athletics, theatre, publications, and study abroad, Belmont Abbey College invests in the personal growth of its students.

Founded in 1876, the College celebrates its heritage and is inspired by the Benedictine monastic tradition. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the College and Abbey Basilica greet thousands of visitors each year.

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