FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, April 8, and voted to allow universities in the U of A system that are able to do so, to defray the cost of any unused room and board fees that students lost due to the coronavirus-related move to teaching and learning remotely.

Returning U of A students will receive a credit for room and board costs lost after April 3, the deadline for moving out of university-managed housing.

"We felt like it was the right thing to do," Chancellor Joe Steinmetz said. "The credits will be issued after July 1 and can be utilized toward a student's general account during the upcoming academic year."

While the decision to provide credits is primarily intended for returning students, the university understands that some students may not be able to return to school in the upcoming academic year. For these students, appeals to University Housing will be considered on a case-by-case basis after July 1. 

Graduating students, who have completed all coursework for graduation by August 31, 2020, will be eligible for prorated reimbursements for room and board lost after April 3.

Chancellor Steinmetz updated students, faculty and staff with new information regarding the COVID-19 crisis and how it is affecting the spring and summer semesters. His message to the campus and other updates can be found on the university's Coronavirus Update site.

TUITION AND FEES WILL NOT INCREASE

The U of A Board of Trustees also voted to hold tuition and fees flat for at least the fall 2020 semester. This will be re-evaluated ahead of the spring 2021 semester.

"Many families are feeling the financial pinch of layoffs or reduced work hours at this time," Steinmetz said, "hopefully, these decisions will give students and their families some peace of mind moving forward."

ADMISSION POLICY FLEXIBILITY ALLOWED IF NEEDED

The Board of Trustees also granted temporary modifications to admission policies, if needed, to provide flexibility in admitting students for the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters. The ability of many high school students to complete coursework and standardized tests has been disrupted by the current pandemic. 

For the latest updates and information, please visit the university's Coronavirus Update site. You can also send questions to feedback@uark.edu.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.