University to Refund Student Fees

University of Maryland Vice President of Student Affairs Patty Perillo today sent the following email to students:

I hope this email finds you well and safe. Our university community is keeping you and your families in our thoughts as we continue to work together to flatten the curve. We know that transitioning to online learning was a big concern for many of you. It is our hope that as we've provided computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, e-books, software and other resources that it has helped. We will continue to compile resources for your online learning—we are committed to you and your academic success.

We have also been actively working on other ways to support you. As you may know, the University System of Maryland (USM) chancellor announced that each USM institution will set “policies for the fair adjustment of a number of student fees, including the costs associated with room, board, parking and athletics,” and that these would be “calculated by each institution on a prorated basis.”

The university will issue you credits on a prorated basis for the following student fees: parking and shuttle, athletics, recreation services, Stamp Student Union, performing arts and cultural centers, student facilities, and sustainability. Students in residence halls will also receive prorated credits and/or refunds for room and board. The Student Financial Services & Cashiering and Bursar's Offices will soon inform you and your families directly about next steps.

There will not be any adjustments to the library, technology and health center fees, as these resources are essential to ongoing operations. Undergraduate and graduate student activities fees will not be adjusted, because these fees have been distributed or they are supporting ongoing student activities. Other academic fees will not be affected. Education is now delivered online and you will earn credits for your degrees.

It is our hope that the fee adjustments by the university—totaling about $39 million—will help you cope with the financial impact of the pandemic.

For some of you, we know that your need is even greater. The Student Crisis Fund provides financial support to any student needing immediate assistance due to an unexpected emergency. As of yesterday, we have distributed over $425,000 to nearly 1,000 students. The unprecedented applications for support nearly depleted the fund, so we launched a fundraising campaign. Our call to faculty, staff and alumni for contributions quickly generated nearly $200,000 from 1,150 donors. It is inspiring to see so many fellow Terps supporting you.

While we know that challenges still lie ahead, it is our deep desire to support you along your journey. We have created this website to keep you connected to your UMD community—we are still here for you. As always, please continue to check here for COVID-19 resources and updates. Please know that we are doing everything we can to put the health of our community first, as we continue to provide you with a world-class education. We are in this together!

With hope,

Patty Perillo
Vice President for Student Affairs