Despite a brief delay Tuesday morning, a storm of relief efforts organized by chemistry professor Simon Bott is under way.
Bott, who also serves as director of undergraduate affairs and advising in the Chemistry Department, began orchestrating volunteer-based information posts this week to provide answers to students calling with concerns about getting back to class.
"Students are wondering why on earth we opened up Tuesday while others are concerned with whether their tests will be going forward this week," he said.
A volunteer effort planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday in the M.D. Anderson Library was reassessed when issues were raised over whether having the volunteers calling students could be a privacy infringement.
Bott said he is still encouraging students to call for assistance. At this time those calls are being funneled through the University’s main line, (713) 743-1000, which is connected to UH’s Pier System. Bott said he hopes to make the process a little more personal next week by putting volunteers in touch with those in need. Those who came to volunteer Monday were redirected to Point of Distribution locations in the surrounding area.
Many calls were still taken Wednesday, and volunteers provided information to students who have not been able to return to campus since the University’s reopening.
"Some students are asking what will happen if they can’t make it back in a timely fashion," Bott said. "While a bulk of faculty are holding class, they will not be administering tests or homework."
Professors and faculty members who proceed to give tests to students this week will be reported to their respective dean, Bott said.
Bott and Karan Clarke, associate vice president and chancellor for University Relations, wanted volunteers to be better trained to give students the most accurate responses.
"We sent out text messages telling students to check in with the school, asking them what they needed," Clarke said.
Clarke has received an influx of e-mails and phone calls from students expressing concerns, and she said the main goal of the relief effort is to provide reassurance to students.
"They wanted to make sure that their grades wouldn’t suffer because of this disaster. A lot of them still didn’t have power and fuel, so we are trying to help them by setting up transportation," she said.
The Student Government Association and Alumni Connection officers have also participated in organizing relief efforts for students.
Through Coogslist, SGA has organized a forum to help students set up carpools, find housing and locate operating gas stations. SGA will also hold a phone-a-thon from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday to help get this information to students.
Collection zones for relief items will be set up Friday at the University Center and the Chemistry Department in Room 136, Fleming Building.
"We’re asking students to donate what ever they can to help their fellow students," Bott said.
Those who would like to donate ahead of time may bring supplies to Bott’s office, Room 138, Fleming Building. The Athletics Department has already donated 1,000 T-shirts to the effort and Bott is working to get funds open for alumni to contribute to.
Donations will be given out to those in need Monday by volunteers, though Bott said they will be distributed sooner if possible.
"If people come in we’ll give them what we’ve got," he said.
Bott said the distribution will continue as long as needed.
"As long as we’re getting donations in and we have students who need help we’ll keep doing it," he said.
