The University of Tampa is receiving more than a dozen inquiries a day from New Orleans area college students displaced by Hurricane Katrina. So far, one student has elected to attend UT, and some have been referred to other universities.

Alberto J. Martinez, also of Tampa, entered UT this week, and signed up for two courses. The cellular and molecular biology major was in his third year at Tulane, and said he intends to return to the school after New Orleans recovers. He is a 2003 graduate of Jesuit High School.

UT’s vice president of enrollment, Barbara Strickler, said, “We are receiving many calls each day from local students, as well as students who have been displaced all up and down the east coast.

“We are helping them however we can. If we don’t have their program or the courses they need, we assist them in exploring other options, such as connecting them with officials at other universities that might be a better match."

Meanwhile, the campus is busy with blood drives, food campaigns and other initiatives aimed at helping victims of the hurricane:

• The John H. Sykes College of Business is coordinating a relief effort to help a Louisiana shelter.

• Student groups, including the Student Activities office, are collecting monetary donations for the American Red Cross.

• Student athlete advisory committee members collected donations for the American Red Cross during Friday's men's soccer game.

• A UT Facilities Management team and truck have been authorized to assist at Dillard University in New Orleans.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Information at publicinfo@ut.edu or (813) 253-6232.