COVID-19 Update: Housing and Meal Plan Refunds

 

As students, faculty, and staff settle into a new virtual learning and work environment, we would like to provide an update regarding refunds and other financial details. 

Refunds
Students who lived on-campus have been refunded 25% of their spring semester housing charges. Meal plans have been refunded according to each student’s plan as follows:

• Block meal plan charges have been refunded at a prorated amount based on a cancellation date of March 20
• Flex meal plans have been refunded all unused flex amounts
• All unused flex funds in addition to a meal plan have been refunded

These refunds have been posted on student accounts. Students who planned to study abroad this spring will notice that their accounts have also been adjusted accordingly. Refunds will not be issued for tuition and fees beyond our normal policies.

Please note the following details regarding student accounts:

• If a student currently has unpaid charges, the credit will be applied to those charges. 
• If a credit balance remains after all charges are paid, a refund will be available. 
• Credit balances linked to Title IV funds will be refunded automatically. Credit balances not linked to Title IV funds are available upon request. 
• All refund checks are issued via postal mail. Requests for or questions about refund checks can be directed to business-office@bethel.edu.

Registration Holds
Because these are challenging times, the balance limit that prevents fall registration has been increased. Holds will not be placed on student accounts if the account balance is less than $3,000. For questions about account balances or upcoming hold status, please email business-office@bethel.edu.

Late Fees
Any late fees associated with the April 15 due date will be removed or reversed. 

Financial Difficulty and Assistance
We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant financial challenges for some of our students and families. In response, members of the Bethel community have set up a student emergency fund. If you are able to give, all donations to the fund will directly support students in need. If you are in need of financial assistance, please reach out to the emergency management team at covid-19@bethel.edu. 

We will continue to update bethel.edu/covid-19 with the latest information.