Oregon State University leaders have put in place measures to ease enrollment, housing and financial burdens for students from the Gulf Coast areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and identified ways that members of the OSU community can get involved in the massive relief effort.

In a letter to the OSU community, President Ed Ray said that the university will "minimize and expedite administrative procedures for admission, housing, financial aid, academic advising and support services for displaced students."

The university has identified a telephone line in its Office of Admissions to help those students: 800-291-4192.

OSU also is working with the Oregon University System to explore the possibility of in-state tuition for displaced students from the Gulf states.

Ray also noted that at today's season-opening football game against Portland State University, volunteers will collect cash donations for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. More than 60 volunteers, including OSU faculty, staff and student athletes, will be stationed at all gates and at the CH2M-Hill Alumni Center from 1 to 3 p.m. accepting cash donations as well as checks made payable to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Meanwhile, a number of faculty members have offered housing to help displaced students who may want to come to OSU. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Student Life at 541-737-2382.

"I offer my personal thanks to all members of the Oregon State University community who are making an extra effort to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and whose offers of time, money and even housing show the character that makes this campus so special," Ray said.