Marymount University in Arlington and Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg have invited students displaced by Hurricane Katrina to contact their respective admissions offices to discuss enrollment options until their colleges are able to reopen.

An estimated 75,000 students are displaced from colleges and universities in the hurricane area, with no indication of when they will be able to resume their studies.

Marymount officials announced last week they will work with students individually to facilitate a smooth transition and will strive to place each in courses comparable to those at the home institution.

Marymount encourages students to call as soon as possible, since the semester has already begun. Financial Aid officers will work with each individual to resolve financial concerns. The federal government is also relaxing FAFSA rules to ensure that federal aid is transferable.

For undergraduate admissions at Marymount, call 703-284-1500. For graduate admissions, call 703-284-5902. The toll-free number is 800-548-7638.

More than 40 members of the Mount St. Mary's University Leadership Team met last week to discuss how best to respond to the tragedy. Initiatives for displaced students and faculty members will include:

In addition, the Mount observed a special day of prayer for hurricane victims on Sept. 7. The day culminated in a university-wide Mass and candlelight procession starting in the University's Immaculate Conception Chapel.

"I have been in touch with other presidents from throughout the country to determine how those of us in academia can provide help to students and colleagues who face an uncertain future," said Mount St. Mary’s President Thomas H. Powell.

"As we discussed our response, I was extremely proud of the Mount's call to action to act in meaningful ways to help those who have lost so much. It is clear that our community recognizes that our vocation to love others also requires us to act," said Powell.

For information on generous tuition, housing and financial aid programs for students affected by Hurricane Katrina, contact the office of admissions at 1-800-448-4347.