EAST LANSING, MI — Students at Michigan State University who move out by April 12 can receive a credit of $1,120, the university announced.

The refund can come in three options: A credit toward next fall’s on-campus housing and dining costs, a credit toward next fall’s off-campus dining plan or a direct deposit for $1,120, minus any outstanding balance with the university.

The credit only applies to those in residence halls and is not related to tuition, MSU spokesperson Emily Guerrant said.

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Many students at MSU have already started moving out after the university moved to courses online and cancelled commencement ceremonies as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

The state announced Tuesday that the number of COVID-19 cases in Michigan has risen to at least 65. The governor has banned gatherings of more than 50 and ordered restaurants, bars and other businesses to shut down as a measure to slow the spread of the virus.

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An email from the university to students said they must be signed up for direct deposit in StuInfo, and the university is asking students to sign up before the end of March. If students do not have direct deposit, a check will be mailed.

The email said students who receive institutional funds for their room and board, including student-athletes, Spartan Advantage students, Alumni Distinguished Scholars, residential advisers, intercultural aids and others, will not be eligible for the credit.

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Guerrant said about 14% of students are still living on campus, or roughly 2,350 students.

“We anticipate that number will continue to go down as more international students and domestic out-of-state students make arrangements to go home,” Guerrant said. “But, we also know there will be some students who need to remain, and we will continue to care for them.”

The university said virtual teaching and learning at MSU will continue for the rest of the semester. According to an update from MSU on Monday, university officials plan to “make every effort to reschedule” commencement ceremonies.

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MSU also sent an email to its study abroad students March 12 saying they should return to the United States immediately. Students who received an Education Abroad scholarship are permitted to retain those funds, but for any other scholarships, students should contact the MSU unit from which they received the award.

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Students at MSU have also started petitions to make classes this semester credit/no credit, in place of the typical grading system. A petition created by Will Bulkowski garnered more than 5,000 signatures since it was started four days ago.

University of Michigan, Michigan State students petition for credit/no-credit classes

Guerrant said students and parents have been asking about reimbursements specific to residence halls and dining expenses. MSU based its reimbursement rate on the April 12 checkout date.

The email said MSU students who receive financial aid should reach out to the financial aid office to see how the credit may impact their financial aid determination.

University of Michigan spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald said UM is looking into reimbursing its students, but no update was immediately available.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS:

Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus

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