HU Religious Studies Program to Help Displaced Students Continue Studies

Hampton, VA - Hampton University's Religious Studies Program is continuing the university's efforts to assist students enrolled in universities affected by Hurricane Katrina by participating in the Sloan Semester, a nationwide collaborative effort through the Sloan Consortium. With over 200 colleges and universities participating, the Sloan Semester provides tuition-free, online courses to displaced students or students activated by the U.S. National Guard to respond to hurricane devastated areas. HU is one of only two HBCUs participating in the Sloan Semester.

The 8-week accelerated Sloan Semester began running nationwide on Oct. 10. According to U.S. News and World Report, educators estimate that 75,000 to 100,000 college and university students were displaced from 13 higher education institutions in New Orleans. The Sloan Semester offers an ideal way for many of these students to earn college credits without relocating to another area while their universities recover this semester.

HU's Religious Studies Program is offering 13 courses through the Sloan Semester and there are currently 28 displaced students. HU's online students will earn credits that can be applied to their original schools, which include: Delgado Community College, Dillard University, Loyola University, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Southern University - New Orleans, and Xavier University. Tuition for the session is free for students who qualified to take the Sloan Semester.

"I think that anyone who had a sensitivity to the hurricane wanted to assist, and we realized we had the vehicle to offer assistance to displaced students not able to continue their education," explained Dr. William D. Booth, director of the Religious Studies Program. "We are excited about the opportunity to be of services and proud that Hampton University is in the forefront in offering a helping hand."

HU's Religious Studies Program is the only online accredited degree program in religious studies at an HBCU. The program provides ministers and other adults seeking a solid foundation in the study of religion an opportunity to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies through distance learning. Including the displaced students, there are a total of 111 students enrolled in the program this session, 54 more than the previous session.

The Sloan Consortium is the nation's largest association of institutions and organizations committed to quality online education and administered through Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering and Babson College. The Sloan Semester is a collaborative effort with the Southern Regional Education board and with a $1.1 million grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

To learn more about how HU's Religious Studies Program is assisting displaced students through the Sloan Semester, please contact Dr. William D. Booth at william.booth@hamptonu.edu or at (757) 728-6677.