After three Graduate Engineering students lost their home on Robertson Avenue to fire Feb. 8, various groups in the University community have come together to show support.
"These students were made homeless and lost all of their belongings," Assoc. Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said in an e-mail. "The Office of the Dean of Students has met with these three students and is continuing to work with them to help them resettle."
Employees of University Dining Services, the Student Bookstore, the athletic department and Engineering School also have inquired into how they may help the students, Laushway said, adding that they are collaborating with the Office of the Dean of Students.
The students will receive financial aid from the Alumni Association, which established a fire relief fund. The Alumni Association is asking the general public to donate and contribute to the fund.\n"All donations will go to help these students defray the cost of setting up another home," the announcement said. "Any remaining funds will be held in perpetuity for future students that may find themselves faced with a similar disaster."
Information about donating to the fund can be found on the Web site for the Office of the Dean of Students.
Laushway added that the fire has highlighted the concerns that come along with off-Grounds housing safety.
"This unfortunate incident points out the need for our students who live off Grounds to secure renters' insurance," Laushway said. Renters' insurance covers an individual's personal belongings in the event of a fire or flooding, for instance.
Off-Grounds Housing Manager Vicki Hawes agreed that students should look into renter's insurance.
"It is relatively inexpensive," she said. "In general, it is about $100 a year. Oftentimes, you can get it added on to your parents' policy. With renters' insurance, you're much better off to have it than to take a chance."
Laushway encouraged students to contact the Off-Grounds housing department with additional questions or for further assistance.
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