University Of Maryland To Adjust, Refund Costs For Students After Move To Online Learning

University of Maryland officials told students Thursday they will be adjusting and refunding some tuition costs after transitioning to online learning amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Per orders from the University System of Maryland chancellor, all USM institutions are to set "policies for the fair adjustment of a number of student fees, including the costs associated with room, board, parking, and athletics," to be "calculated by each institution on a prorated basis," according to letter sent to students.

University of Maryland officials will issue prorated credits to students for the following fees:

- Parking and shuttle

- Athletics

- Recreation services

- Stamp Student Union

- Performing arts and cultural centers

- Student facilities

- Sustainability

- Room and board

Officials said there will not be refunds for the library, technology, and health center as they are still being utilized. Also, undergraduate and graduate student activities fees will not be adjusted as fees have already been distributed or are supporting ongoing activities, university officials said.

Overall, the adjustments made by the university total over $39 million.

"It is our hope that the fee adjustments by the university ... will help you cope with the financial impact of the pandemic," officials said in a statement.

As some students continue to face uncertainty, the Student Crisis Fund through the university provides financial support to those facing an unexpected emergency, the university said.

As of Wednesday, the school provided $425,000 to nearly 1,000 students in need, officials said. This nearly depleted the fund; however, alumni and others donated nearly $200,000 to further support students facing an emergency.

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