In the wake of devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, the University of Wisconsin System — along with other colleges and universities around the nation — has taken it upon itself to help students displaced by our nation’s latest tragedy. The state of Wisconsin has also called on its citizens to help their fellow Americans during this time of need. Given their efforts to help victims of the recent hurricane, we applaud both UW and the state of Wisconsin.

Several UW campuses are offering assistance to students — many of whom are Wisconsin residents — who are unable to return to their academic institution because of the damage caused by Katrina. It is hoped these students will eventually transfer the credits they receive from UW to their home institutions.

Currently, UW-Whitewater has enrolled two students displaced from their colleges by the recent natural disaster, and the university expects to enroll more students by the end of the week. More than 60 students have already been accepted into programs in UW-Madison’s Division of Continuing Studies.

In addition to temporarily enrolling students, we praise UW-Madison’s efforts in hosting the Hurricane Katrina Relief Camp at Camp Randall this past weekend. Attendees of the Wisconsin-Bowling Green game could make monetary donations to the American Red Cross in support of hurricane victims. The UW Athletic Department and the National W Club also joined the relief effort by donating 10 percent of all concession sales made during the football-season opener to assist those affected by Katrina. The combined effort raised nearly $60,000 for the hurricane-relief fund.

UW System’s efforts aside, Wisconsinites have also responded to the hurricane relief effort. For example, Gov. Doyle activated several units of the Wisconsin National Guard to help areas ravaged by Katrina. He has also allowed permanent state employees to take 30 days’ paid leave if they are certified Red Cross disaster relief volunteers and asked by the Red Cross to assist the hurricane-relief effort in the South. Assistance has also been given by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and Wisconsin Emergency Management.

The number of people affected by Katrina is unprecedented. Amid this terrible devastation, however, it is heartening to see the UW System and the state of Wisconsin make substantial efforts to assist those affected by the tragedy. We hope this state’s generosity continues.