Editor's Note: This is an ongoing series of news briefs highlighting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's response to the historic flooding across the region. The page will be updated as needed, with the most recent stories featured just below links to online resources. Submit updates to tfedderson@unl.edu or call 402-472-8515.
Online resources
The University of Nebraska is working to support the needs of students, faculty, staff and public affected by devastation wrought by recent storms across the state and region. Below are links that feature resources for the campus community and public.
For campus — University responds to flooding
For the public — Nebraska Extension flood resources
March 29, 2019
Chancellor issues flood-related note
Chancellor Ronnie Green issued a March 29 message to the campus community, outlining the university's response to flooding and subsequent recovery efforts across the region.
The University of Nebraska system is continuing work to develop a system to coordinate flood recovery volunteer opportunities for students, faculty and staff. Details will be announced. Huskers can learn about future service opportunities by joining the Nebraska Disaster Recovery Service Corps available through GivePulse and the Office of Civic Engagement. Group members will receive regular and timely messages about disaster recovery initiatives.
Read the chancellor's entire message.
March 27, 2019Note from @RonnieDGreen 2 students impacted by floods, "If our application fee presents a problem, we will waive it. If our enrollment deposit deadline poses an issue, we will allow you to defer your deposit until you start classes..."https://t.co/ivraTEOWRo
— Amber Williams (@unlstorymatters) March 27, 2019
Admissions assistance available for incoming Huskers
Nebraska's Office of Admissions has launched programs to help first-year and transfer students, graduate enrollees and law students affected by flooding and who are planning to attend in fall 2019. The programs include academic and scholarship accommodations; extending the May 1 enrollment deposit deadline or deferring the payment; deferring admission and scholarship offers until spring 2020; waiving the $45 admission application fee for new applicants; and limited availability to emergency federal grants.
The university has also designated campus representatives that students can contact directly to discuss options. First-year and transfer undergraduate students should contact Georgia Gleason at 402-472-4772 or georgiagleason@experience.unl.edu. Graduate students can contact Alisha Hanshaw at 402-472-2869 or alisha.hanshaw@unl.edu. Law students should contact Tracy Warren at 402-472-1526 or tracy.warren@unl.edu.
March 27, 2019Nebraska National Guard picked up some donated hay from the University of Nebraska ENREC near Mead yesterday. See where it goes from here at: https://t.co/yXwd8pvETG #NebExtFlood #NebraskaFlood #NebExt #NebraskaStrong #NENationalGuard pic.twitter.com/1Pq7DkJkPS
— Univ of NE ENREC (@NebENREC) March 26, 2019
Volunteer opportunities are coming
University of Nebraska leaders are working to develop a process through which students, faculty and staff can volunteer as individuals or groups to assist with flood recovery efforts.
"It is important that volunteer efforts be focused on critical issues where impacted communities genuinely need our help," said Chuck Hibberd, dean and director of Nebraska Extension.
Hibberd is leading the development of campus volunteer resources. When complete, the process will work with recovery authorities to direct the university response so that it makes an efficient and lasting impact within the affected communities. While there is a desire to help immediately, the campus community has been asked to be patient as state and community officials have stressed that flood recovery is going to be a multi-year process with a need for volunteers throughout.
Details on the volunteer process will be announced.
March 26, 2019Free legal aid available
Nebraska Law students are participating in a disaster relief project led by Legal Aid of Nebraska.
The student volunteers will work with Ryan Sullivan, professor of law, providing free legal assistance as needed to individuals impacted by the flooding. Key legal areas expected include insurance issues, government benefits, housing-related problems for renters and owners, contractor fraud, and document recovery.
The project gives Nebraska Law students firsthand experience working with real-world law issues prior to graduation. All student-led work will be reviewed and approved by a practicing attorney.
Learn more about how to apply for legal assistance online or by calling 1-844-268-5627.
March 25, 2019Monetary donations are best
At this time, monetary donations are the best option to assist with flooding recovery efforts. While individual items were called for initially, the continuing need to sort and deliver goods can create an extra burden for disaster response teams and volunteers.
“Funds can be used for everything from finding housing when shelters are full to feeding first responders and volunteers,” said Ryan Lowery, a research specialist with the Nebraska Public Policy Center.
The campus community can also give blood to assist with recovery efforts.
To supply monetary donations:
Use your skills & experiences to tell the stories of Nebraska’s storm of the century, @Unl_CoJMC family & friends! Join us at forums Monday, March 25 & Tuesday, March 26, both days at 5 p.m., creating a plan through conversation to mobilize our resources for this media emergency. pic.twitter.com/dSul4K1oQ3
— Amy Struthers (@CoJMCDeanAmy) March 24, 2019
Journalism students seek flood stories
The College of Journalism and Mass Communications is mobilizing to give students the opportunity to report stories related to flooding and the ongoing recovery effort across the state and region. Forums to organize the project were held March 25-26.
The project will feature faculty-led trips into communities where students will develop stories, some in partnership with local media. Initial areas of focus include working with the Norfolk Daily News for coverage around Norfolk on March 29-30 and covering cleanup in Fremont on April 1. The Norfolk trip will be led by Michelle Hassler and Jennifer Sheppard, associate professors of practice. Coverage in Fremont will be led by Barney McCoy, professor of broadcasting.
Stories from the series will be featured in Nebraska Today.
March 22, 2019Bookstore is accepting donations
The University Bookstore in the Nebraska Union, which is part of the Follett Corporation, has partnered with the American Red Cross of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa Region to collect monetary donations for flood recovery. Learn more by visiting the bookstore.
Thanks everyone for their donations this past week. We delivered our first round of supplies to help those impacted by the floods. #nebraskastrong #campusstrong @UNLBookstore @UNLincoln @NebraskaUnions pic.twitter.com/mwdcloLKPk
— UNLBookstore (@UNLBookstore) March 29, 2019
March 21, 2019
UN. MATCHED. SUPPORT.
Cash donations collected at PBA tonight:
$28,541 #NebraskaStrong | #GBR— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) March 21, 2019
Huskers collect $28K for flood relief
The Huskers collected $28,541 toward flood relief during the first round men’s basketball National Invitation Tournament game between Nebraska and Butler University. More than 10,000 fans attended the March 20 Husker victory at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
NFL #Huskers Spencer Long and Jeremiah Sirles part of a group hosting a dinner for flood victims and first responders. https://t.co/VhCsokkJO4
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) March 20, 2019
