Bates College has announced that any Maine undergraduates enrolled at colleges or universities in the New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast area devastated by Hurricane Katrina will be welcome to take courses for credit without charge at Bates College this fall semester.

"We don't know how many Maine students this might apply to, but we are confident that we can make room in classes for them," said Bates President Elaine Tuttle Hansen.

Students who planned to attend colleges and universities that have been closed in the devastated areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama can apply for emergency admission as visiting students by contacting the Dean of Students Office at 207-786-6219. Room and board will be the students' responsibility, but Bates will assist in finding accommodations.

The tuition offer, said Hansen, is consistent with Bates' mission of academic achievement and social responsibility.