N.O. Universities co-operate to re-open

Tulane, Xavier, Dillard and Loyola universities are working together to support one another's efforts to resume classes in January. The four institutions have formed a consortium that will allow Xavier and Dillard to hold classes this spring on the campuses of Tulane and Loyola universities, as well as to share meeting and administrative space among the four schools.

The effort will allow Dillard and Xavier students to maintain a sense of community and identity -- physically and symbolically -- for the calendar year 2006.

"New Orleans and Louisiana need their institutions of higher education to continue to grow economically and academically," said Scott S. Cowen, president of Tulane University. "We are gratified to be able to offer Xavier and Dillard universities our available space to help them through their rebuilding phase as we continue our own rebuilding efforts."