As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to permeate the daily lives of Oregonians, and as resources to PSU students become less accessible, the Portland State University administration has deftly decided to move classes, instruction, and advising online for the entirety of the 2020 Spring term in accordance with state law. While this is necessary for ensuring a degree of educational opportunity for their students, PSU is at this time maintaining tuition fees, regardless of the fact that remote instruction hinders the educational experience of many students, and does not comprehensibly offer and address the scope of resources previously available to students. For these reasons, we are seeking a partial refund or reduction of tuition for the 2020 Spring term:

Despite PSU efforts for efficient remote instruction, students are limited to off-campus support and will no longer have access to important resources, such as lab research and facilities which often fill requirements for graduation in many programs. Students learn in many different ways and a lack of physical instruction, professional critique, and face to face advising from faculty will create significant challenges for many learners. This will also severely hurt instructors who will have to quickly transfer their classes to a remote setting, putting stress and pressure on educators as well as students to navigate teaching their respective classes from home. The library serves as a great resource to students who may not be able to afford textbooks and other learning materials, however, its limitation in adjusted hours and accessibility will create new challenges for students. These are vital elements and factors in the university learning experience, and due to their inaccessibility, we are seeking a reduction of tuition for the Spring 2020 term.

We would also like to address and implore the Student Fee Committee's thoughtful decision making on fee waving. Facilities such as the Campus Rec Center are closed until further notice, however, as of March 25th, 2020, the charge ($44) has yet to be waived on Spring term student accounts. Likewise, the student building fee ($37) has yet to be adjusted. It is also important to take into account campus childcare options which will be closed until further notice, rendering student parents with limited options. Information on the PSU Coronavirus response website regarding childcare appears contradictory in at least two locations (https://www.pdx.edu/coronavirus-response/accessing-campus-resources#babyviks This could be potentially confusing and damaging to student parents.

The limitation of resources on campus as well as in-person interaction between students, faculty, and advisors is an unfortunate byproduct of response to this pandemic, albeit necessary to protect the public. We acknowledge that these measures are important and essential, however, many students are currently experiencing financial instability and suffering due to business closures throughout the state, with students working in at-risk fields such as foodservice and healthcare, among others. These struggles are likely even harder to navigate for the many international and out-of-state students attending PSU. We believe that reduced billing on tuition collection at this time would greatly mitigate further financial damage to PSU students as well as alleviate consequences for the university, such as increased rates of non-enrollment. Therefore, with deep respect, we urge the administration to rightfully consider a partial reduction or refund of tuition for Spring term 2020, as well as to consider waiving certain student fees.

The PSU Coronavirus Response website considers access to resources for students as well as outlines precautionary measures, yet fails to propose financial support and assistance other than waiving extra fees for new "remote classes". It also fails to address concerns regarding tuition and financial aid.

https://www.pdx.edu/coronavirus-response