Room and board credits to student accounts for fall 2020
Nov. 11, 2020
Dear Augustana students and parents,
As the semester winds down, I wanted to thank the many Augustana College students who have shown care and concern for one another and our campus community. Please allow me to explain our plans for providing credits to student accounts.
Account credits were determined because the college has asked students to return to their family home for the Thanksgiving break and conclude the final week of the fall semester, along with any final exam requirements, remotely.
The college will offer qualifying students a credit to accommodate the absence of services related to room and weekly service meal plans. The college’s refund policy informs students that no refunds will be available for housing after the 14th week of residence, therefore the credit will be calculated based on one week of housing expenses. We will also offer a one week credit for students participating in the weekly service meal plans.
Specific guidelines related to the credit include:
• Credits will be posted to student accounts in December.
• Students who are graduating this fall and are residing in Augustana housing and/or have a weekly service meal plan will receive a credit in the form of a check (unless there is an existing balance).
• Credit amounts will be calculated on a student-by-student basis and will vary based on a student’s net cost to attend Augustana College, reflecting the actual cost for a refund of one week when adjusting for financial aid.*
Please note that students who are unable to return home for the Thanksgiving break may apply to reside on campus, and meal service will be available. Students who continue to reside on campus after Thanksgiving break will not receive a credit. Please also note that in accordance with the college’s refund policy, no credits will be issued for changes to the J-Term program.
In conclusion, we understand the strain the pandemic has created for students and families. We hope the decision to provide this refund in the form of an account credit is helpful and meaningful to all Augustana students and parents as we continue to navigate through these challenging times.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions about this adjustment to your account.
Kirk Anderson
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration
*In calculating a student’s financial aid package, the college calculates the total cost of attendance to determine the appropriate financial aid discount. When the college reduces the total cost of attendance (via a room and board credit), the percentage of the financial aid discount does not change, but the absolute amount of the financial aid discount changes due to a smaller cost of attendance. In summary the room and board credit will equal the original net price of attendance — the revised net price of attendance.