On March 18, a Saint Xavier University student created a petition on Change.org calling for the University to refund part of the student body’s tuition. The petition cites the refund due to “On March 16th, 2020, Saint Xavier University sent out an email saying we’ll be transitioning to remote learning starting March 23rd, 2020, for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. This was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic currently threatening our global health.” As of March 23, the petition has over three thousand signatures and is still actively being signed.
While Saint Xavier takes the issues addressed in this petition seriously, their main concerns right now are continuing to serve SXU students, and the importance of maintaining transparency according to Provost James MacLaren, Ph.D., and Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life Katy Thompson.
As of publication, the administration has not been in contact with the creator of the petition and students should not feel worried about signing the petition as both MacLaren and Thompson said in a joint response that, “the University supports the free expression of ideas and the freedom of individuals and groups to engage in civil discourse within the context of our core values, remaining respectful and treating each other with dignity.” They also mentioned that prior to this petition no students had brought this issue to their attention.
When questioned about what the University had to say about the petition, MacLaren and Thompson state, “While we realize student concerns, the mode of instructional delivery has been changed, but the quality has not. Faculty have been working diligently and using a myriad of innovative resources to ensure that the exceptional education our students are used to will continue to be delivered. Additionally, our staff is hard at work creating alternate ways to connect with students as we continue to offer student support services, including academic success advising, career counseling, success coaching, and peer tutoring.”
Both MacLaren and Thompson state, “The University will respond to student concerns given our commitment to transparency with the SXU community. We will continue to communicate daily and will address issues as we receive information and guidance from appropriate federal and state officials.”
The University has made sure to keep students’ concerns at the forefront in spite of everything going on with COVID-19. As MacLaren and Thompson reveal, this is always their primary focus for every Emergency Management Team meeting while trying to follow the guidelines the State and Federal officials are giving them.
One concern about refunds is how it could directly or indirectly impact the faculty and staff?. In regard to this, MacLaren and Thompson admit, “The question of how potential refunds will impact the University is not clear at this time. Saint Xavier University is committed to the care of our community members for as long as possible.”
SXU was able to provide information about the refunds pertaining to students who lived in the residence halls on campus. MacLaren and Thompson disclose that “Refunds will be provided to students who moved out of their residence hall and returned to their permanent residence. Refunds will be applied to the unused portion of room and board and adjusted for financial aid, if appropriate.”
Students may be concerned with how a refund would work if they paid part of their tuition with some form of financial aid. Currently, this question doesn’t have an answer. Executive Director of Financial Aid Susan Swisher mentions, “Since financial aid programs are regulated by the [United States] Department of Education, there are many unanswered questions surrounding the administration of financial aid due to COVID-19. Once we have more clarity, I would be happy to answer your questions.”