Welcome!
If you're the parent of a prospective or accepted Tulane student, you've come to the right place. Everything you'll need–from campus safety information to an overview of the orientation process–is within reach. We think you'll find what others have found: the more you learn about Tulane, the more you'll want your son or daughter to learn here.
Of course, the best way to see for yourself the unique and exciting opportunities available at Tulane is to visit campus, but if you can't make it, watch these special VIDEOS just FOR PARENTS.
Tulane in the News
Click here to read recent news stories about Tulane University
Parent Q & A
As admission counselors, we receive an array of calls and questions regarding the current status and future of Tulane University. Certainly, you have questions, and we would like to address these concerns.
Q. Why Tulane?
A. Tulane University offers educational opportunities second to none. Our students have incredible experiences both inside and outside the classroom. As the intellectual center of the city, Tulane plays a major role in the business and culture of the city. This role covers all disciplines of study, from the liberal arts and public health to architecture, business and engineering. Tulane students have the opportunity to learn in our classrooms, gain valuable experience in research programs and internships around the city, and participate in the largest urban renewal project in United States history.
Q. What is the current situation at Tulane?
A. First and foremost, rest assured that Tulane- its physical structure and its faculty and students- is better than ever. Immediately after Hurricane Katrina, Tulane students spent the fall 2005 semester at over 600 schools in all 50 states. In January 2006, 94% of these students chose to return to Tulane to continue their education. Faculty members returned in similar numbers.
Q. Was Tulane's campus affected by Hurricane Katrina?
A. The Tulane University campus is located adjacent to Audubon Park and Zoo in the beautiful and historic Garden District. While the campus did receive some storm damage the campus was completely restored to its pristine condition in November 2005.
(click the map to enlarge)
Q. What is the current situation in the city of New Orleans?
A. For anyone who has visited our campus in the past, they are aware of our location in uptown New Orleans. We are very fortunate to be located in an area of the city that was, for the most part, spared large amounts of damage. In fact, the areas where most Tulane students and staff live, work, and socialize are quickly returning to normal. St. Charles Avenue, the uptown area, the Garden District, and the French Quarter have moved beyond recovery to normalcy. As in any metropolitan area, crime is a concern for New Orleans residents. Campus is located in one of the safest areas of the city, and our university police work in conjunction with the New Orleans police department to ensure the safety of students on and around the campus.
Click here to see video footage of the city in recovery.
Q. Is it easy to travel to New Orleans?
A. Yes. The number of flights in and out of New Orleans International Airport number over 110 per day and new flights are being added each week.
Q. Is New Orleans an environmentally safe place to visit?
A. Yes. Dr. Kevin Stephens, director of the New Orleans Department of Health, stated that they have tested, retested and continue to test land, sea and air in our area. Dr. Stephens concluded the test results show the city is very safe for our citizens, students, and visitors.
Q. Is there sufficient police protection in New Orleans?
Yes. Of the original 1,668 police officers, 1,536 are back. This is a sufficient number for a city of our current population. The New Orleans Police department is now fully functional throughout the main areas of the city- Uptown, the Garden District, Central Business District, and the French Quarter. The Louisiana National Guard is providing security services in those neighborhoods that are under redevelopment.
Q. Which hospitals are operating in the metro area?
A. In addition to our on-campus Student Health Center, Tulane University Hospital & Clinic, and Tulane-Lakeside Hospital,nearly all major medical facilities around the city are re-opened and providing a full range of medical services.
Q. Has the city been cleared of hurricane debris?
A. All major clean-up in the French Quarter, Central Business District, Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue areas have been completed. Reconstruction of New Orleans East, the 9th Ward and Lakeview is underway. In the primarily residential neighborhoods there is considerable construction debris removed on a daily basis. The Tulane campus and the surrounding neighborhoods are in pre-Katrina condition.
Q. How many major hurricanes have hit the city of New Orleans?
A. According to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Library, New Orleans has been hit by two major (Category 3 or above) hurricanes. Those were Hurricane Betsy (Category 3) in September 1965 and Hurricane Katrina (Category 4) in August 2005.
Q. What can you tell me about the levee protection system and the preparations for future storms?
A. President Bush has pledged $3.1 billion for fortified hurricane protection. "The levee system is better and stronger today than it has ever been in the history of New Orleans. In early January 2006, Congress gave the Army Corps of Engineers an extra $225 million–eight times the annual appropriation before Hurricane Katrina–to expedite flood control work in Jefferson and Orleans parishes. The Corps has been repairing and restoring the 169 miles of Mississippi River and New Orleans area levees and flood walls since September 2005.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has the funding for the rebuilding of the levee system and in the process of making repairs. The most significant improvement is the installation of flood gates that will stop the lake and river water from entering the New Orleans canal system. It was the failure of the canal flood walls on the 17th Street, Orleans Avenue, and London Avenue canals, not the levees themselves that caused most of the flooding during and after Hurricane Katrina. The gated closure structures and pumps installed at the Lake Pontchartrain end of the outfall canals will prevent storm surge from entering the canals during a hurricane. Because it prevents storm surge from entering the canals, this added canal closure feature of the storm protection system will provide significantly greater protection than what existed prior to August 2005. All repairs will be complete by August 2006.
At some locations levees will be elevated ten feet. All levees and barriers will rise to a minimum of 10 feet above sea level. The goal is to improve the system to well beyond its pre-Katrina level of protection. The amount of work involved would normally take several years, but the time frame has been compressed into eight months.
Q. What if another major hurricane threatens the area?
A. Tulane's Hurricane Plan ensures the early evacuation, safety, and security of your children and our students. As Hurricane Katrina approached the Gulf Coast, all students were evacuated safely. Current Tulane students were granted visiting status at approximately 550 host institutions thanks to the generosity of those particular establishments. Our evacuation plans are now better than ever, as they have been tried in an actual emergency.
Q. Is Financial Aid available for new students?
A. Absolutely! Tulane continues to be one of the best values in higher education. The University is pursuing as aggressive a financial aid and scholarship program for students as ever.
