News 2020: Chancellor Johnson's message to students on cost adjustments

Chancellor provides updates on the financial implications caused by COVID-19

Dear students of UMassD,

In January, when we started our spring semester, no one could have predicted the situation in which we now find ourselves. In just a few weeks, the coronavirus has substantially changed the way our University and society at large operate. These changes have been incredibly disruptive to your academics, personal lives, and have dramatically altered your college experience.

This was not how our semester was supposed to end.

We have had to change our practices per the latest scientific guidelines from the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for social distancing. UMass Dartmouth’s top priority these past few weeks has been the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff as we endeavored to ensure that our students finished the semester strong. Faculty and staff worked tirelessly to allow student progress towards degree completion with as few disruptions as possible.

The University is now turning to the resolution of the financial implications caused by COVID-19. Today, President Meehan and the Chancellors of the UMass campuses announced that the University will, after considering a student’s financial aid awards, directly adjust student accounts for unused charges. The actual amount of the adjustment will be based on an 8-week period as of March 9, 2020. Please review the following:

• Resident students that have not lived on campus since before March 9 will receive a 50% adjustment for housing, meal, and parking costs on their accounts for the spring 2020 semester. Note: adjustments will not be calculated until arrangements are made to empty your room through the Office of Housing and Residential Education.
• Residential students that remained in campus housing after March 9 will have their adjustment reduced for each week they remained on campus, no adjustment will be provided to students currently living on campus.
• Commuter students will receive a 50% adjustment for meal (if a meal plan was purchased) and parking costs on their accounts for the spring 2020 semester.

Adjustments are set to be finalized on or before April 17. Please review the following scenarios once adjustments are calculated:

• If you currently have a balance due, your account may reflect a new balance due or may show a credit balance.
• If your bill was paid with financial aid or a scholarship, the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office will review your account and make any required adjustments, based on the type of aid received.
• If your account still has a balance due after adjustments, you will continue to receive a billing statement.
• If your account has a credit balance, the University will issue a refund.

All students are encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit via COIN to ensure receipt of a credit balance refund as quickly as possible. Any credit balance refunds sent via paper check will be mailed to the student’s permanent address displayed in COIN and students should allow 15-20 days to receive once processed.

Though many offices across campus are physically closed, staff members are available to help you. I ask for your continued patience as we all adapt to working remotely. If you have further questions, email or call:

• Student Service Center – 508.999.8857
• Financial Aid Office - 508.999.8643
• Bursar’s Office - 508.999.8832

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions site for more information as well. I know how challenging this entire situation has been for you. Everyone at UMass Dartmouth is committed to helping you succeed not just in academics, but in life. Do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our community if you need guidance during these turbulent times. As always, visit our Coronavirus Updates Page for resources that will help you with remote learning and self-care.

We are all in this together. #UMassDTogether

With gratitude,

Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D.

Chancellor