It’s been more than a month since Hurricane Ike caused massive destruction in the Galveston and Houston areas, but TCU students, both present and future, who were affected, are still working to rebuild their lives.

In the midst of this rebuilding, high school seniors still face the task of making plans for their futures. TCU’s admissions department is helping them in their efforts by waiving the $40 early action application fee for those affected by the storm. The office extended the deadline for all students to apply under early action from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15.

Even though this may create extra work for the admissions office in the months to come, the extra effort is well worth it.

All TCU applicants deserve an equal opportunity to be admitted, and the extension will help those students who are behind in college applications. Waiving the fee for displaced Houston area residents is a commendable gesture to those trying to rebuild their lives after the storm.

In addition, this extra time will help the college counselors at their high schools, some of whom were out of school for as long as two weeks, work with each student with their fullest capability. Victoria Herrera, Houston regional director of admission, said students from the area are grateful to TCU for their consideration in helping them in this way.

TCU students, faculty and staff should feel proud the university is once again coming through for students affected by natural disasters.

Three years ago, TCU opened its doors to college students displaced by Hurricane Katrina. It has once again stepped up and demonstrated that the university truly cares about all students.

Features editor Valerie Hannon for the editorial board