Like many universities across the country, the University of Utah has taken many needed steps in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, students are still being silenced on several issues.

The coming summer 2020 semester was announced to be held in an online format for all classes (first half, second half, and full semester). Moreover, students are highly encouraged to not come to campus by health officials as well as individuals in charge of their respective departments. Certain facilities often used by students have also been temporarily closed and will remain closed during the summer semester. This includes but not limited to the Marriot Library, and the Student Life Center. As a result, the students of the University of Utah come together to ask the administration to eliminate the following fees during the Summer 2020 semester:

-Building Fees ($119.24) as buildings will not be occupied by students and faculty work from home during instruction

-Student Life Center ($60.00) as the facility is closed and not in use by students

-Transportation ($58.35)

-The Library fee (at a reduced cost) as we may still access resources, yet not completely

-Collegiate Reader fees ($3.50) as no students are utilizing newspapers on campus since the respective changes

-The Fine Arts fee ($17.50) as no performances/cultural events have taken place nor will take place since the changes, and until “lockdown” is lifted. This had been confirmed to last the duration of the summer semester

Students were silenced by University officials regarding this issue and were not provided an appropriate answer as to why similar fees were not refunded on a pro-rated basis for the Spring semester. However, students will now come together to ensure we are respected by the University of Utah financially and verbally.