UArts Cares for Residential Students

While we have continued to follow directives issued by the state and federal governments to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect both our own and the greater community, we recognize that complying with these orders has caused hardship to our students. Among them, the closing of our residence halls and dining facilities has presented immediate challenges to students and their families who have worked hard to secure alternate housing and meal arrangements. Over the past two weeks, we have worked diligently to arrive at a plan for those impacted by these closures, taking into account your direct feedback as students, as well as university staff, senior leaders, and guidance from the federal government.

With this in mind, senior leadership in consultation with our Board of Trustees has arrived at the following determination for residential students and those who hold active meal plans for the spring 2020 semester:

For the unused portion of housing and meal plans, students will receive a prorated credit on their student accounts based on the amount they contributed to housing and/or meal plans which will be applied to the next academic year (across two semesters). Graduating seniors may request a refund of credit balances after all charges for the spring 2020 semester have been satisfied.

We recognize that many students are facing immediate hardship due to the global pandemic including housing insecurity, food insecurity and/or a significant loss of income that may impact their ability to successfully complete the spring 2020 semester. To support our most vulnerable students, the University is broadening access to the UArts Cares fund which provides immediate financial support to those students facing extenuating hardships. Any UArts student facing hardship may apply for support using the online application found here.

The grants and support UArts Cares affords are intended to meet immediate student needs related to housing, food, and transportation that would otherwise prevent students from completing their term.

A reminder to please bookmark and return to the website we have established, uarts.edu/covid19, for important resources and FAQs. We are continually updating this website throughout the outbreak, and will inform residential students directly of move-out proceedings which will be scheduled when it becomes safe and feasible to do so.

To each of you and your families, please adhere to the social distancing and health practices that the government is requiring of us, and first and foremost, stay healthy and safe.

Best wishes,

- David