TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies is offering students displaced by Hurricane Katrina an opportunity to continue their education through online courses at no cost.

In collaboration with the Southern Regional Education Board and the Sloan Consortium, and funded by a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the special accelerated eight-week program, known as the Sloan Semester, will provide a wide range of courses.

“We’re trying to do whatever we can to help students who are unable to continue their education because their respective schools are not able to resume,” said Rebecca Pow, associate dean of the UA College of Continuing Studies. “The College is facilitating courses that have a wide array of application from a variety of academic colleges.”

Students who meet eligibility requirements established by SREB will qualify for a tuition grant for the UA online courses. Those wanting to enroll in these courses will need to apply for Visiting Electronic Student Authorization through SREB. Eligibility will be limited to students matriculated for the fall term at institutions in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi designated by those states as “impacted institutions.”

Students may enroll in up to 12 credit hours. The courses will be entirely online, therefore students do not have to travel to campus; they can take a course from wherever they can get to a computer.

The Sloan Consortium is the nation’s largest association of institutions and organizations committed to quality online education. The Southern Regional Education Board was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislatures to help leaders in education and government work cooperatively to advance education and improve the social and economic life of the region.

UA’s College of Continuing Studies delivers educational opportunities to non-traditional students through workshops, seminars, conferences, institutes, certification training and other professional development programs. The College provides degree opportunities through off-campus programs and also weekend, evening and distance education programs.