Penn State plans to offer admission to students from southern universities and provide financial assistance to the 60 or more Penn State students affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said there are dozens of Penn State students whose homes are located in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the states hardest hit by the hurricane.

"We are trying to get the word out to those 60 plus students whose houses may be destroyed and families may be losing their jobs to let them know we will help them," Mahon said. "We are trying to step up to the plate."

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said Penn State would also allow students from universities affected by the hurricane, such as Tulane University in New Orleans, to enroll at Penn State for the fall semester.

"We have enough space in housing and classes to take care of these students," Kendig said. "No Penn State students will be affected by the incoming students."

Kendig added that university officials have been considering emergency assistance proposals since the hurri-

cane hit but said the university's definite plans were formulated yesterday.

Vice President for Student Affairs Vicky Triponey said students previously accepted to Penn State, who instead chose to go to a southern school, such as Tulane, could contact Penn State to re-enroll for fall semester. However, students who had not previously applied to Penn State would be able to do so in an "expedited" process.

Gail Hurley, assistant vice president for housing and residence life, said the affected students would mostly be housed at Penn State's commonwealth campuses.

"These students will be placed at branch campuses depending on their academic plans and also where the university has space for them," she said.

Kendig said the university has emergency aid and loans for those students who are affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"We want these students to be able to focus on their studies and not worry about problems at home," Kendig said.

Anna Griswold, assistant vice president for undergraduate education and executive director of student aid, said the emergency funds would be used for Penn State students who were receiving tuition or housing financial assistance from their family or for those who have lost their homes or become displaced.

"There is not a specific amount, but we believe the university emergency funds will most likely be sufficient to help the students," Griswold said.

Griswold added that if a student calls or comes into the office needing help, the university would begin assisting the student immediately.

"We are going to evaluate each student based on their individual needs," Griswold said.

Counseling services are also available at Counseling and Psychological Services and in Student Affairs, Kendig said.

Penn State has been in touch with dozens of other universities across the country that are trying to help and come up with ideas to assist students and their families who have been affected by the hurricane, Mahon said.

"[Penn State officials] held a counseling session to work with the financial aid and admissions office to help find resources to help these students stay in school," Mahon said.

Mahon said the hurricane is continuing to affect people across the country in both short-term and long-term ways, but everyone should help those in need.

"Now is not the time for details because there are really big problems that we have to deal with now," Mahon added.

--Collegian Staff Writer Drew Curley contributed to this report.