May 9, 2003

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858.

KU officials offer assistance to students affected by tornadoes in Lawrence

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas officials are ready to help students affected by storms that struck the Lawrence area Thursday evening.

A tornado that struck a residential area in Lawrence, about 1.5 miles west of the KU campus, destroyed an apartment complex and several homes.

Ann Eversole, associate dean of student life, said students who have questions about final exams should contact their individual faculty members. Other questions can be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students at (785) 864-4060. So far, no students affected by the tornado have contacted the dean's office, she said.

Today is Stop Day on KU's Lawrence campus. There are no classes in session. Final exam week begins Monday, May 12.

Ken Stoner, director of student housing, said the university is ready to assist students through the Red Cross, which is coordinating local relief efforts.

"Typically the Red Cross uses high school gymnasiums and other facilities capable of handling crowds to provide shelter," he said. "If the disaster causes a situation where they need more facilities, they would call the university."

Stoner said all student housing at KU has policies for emergency situations. Students are instructed on what to do in emergency situations as part of the orientation process.

Students in off-campus housing who were affected by Thursday's storm may call the Red Cross at (785) 843-3550 or (800) HELP NOW. Stoner said KU students also are welcome to call the Office of Student Housing at (785) 864-4560 for information.