To: Wellesley College Students
From: Piper Orton, Vice President of Finance and Administration, and Joy St. John, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
Re: COVID-19 Response, Financial Support
Date: March 20, 2020
We know that the past week has been a whirlwind of hastily arranged travel plans, unexpected packing and moving, moments of celebration, and sad goodbyes. We have been working to provide direct financial support to help students return home and prepare for remote learning, and to implement plans to provide partial reimbursement of room and board payments for students whose time on campus has been interrupted due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We have been guided in our decision-making by the recognition that all students and families are being affected, with consideration for students with the greatest financial need.
Room and Board
All students who have left campus will receive a credit on their student account for the unused portion of room and board, which will be prorated based on a family’s contribution to the cost of attendance. The minimum credit will be $1,200 and the maximum credit will be $4,000.
Students who served as resident assistants and house presidents will have an adjusted credit for the room fee due to the room waiver previously issued.
Credits will be applied to students’ accounts by March 27. If the adjustment creates a credit balance on your account, you may request a refund (Refund Request Form). If you do not request a refund, we will maintain the credit balance on your account and apply it to future charges.
If your family is currently enrolled in a Nelnet monthly payment plan, please note that we have arranged with Nelnet to postpone the March 20 payment until March 27. Student Financial Services will send a follow-up communication with details about how to adjust your payment plan once room and board credits have been posted.
Campus Jobs and Student Employment
Many students have asked about continuing campus jobs remotely. We are working on a process to address work study and student employment and will have an update by the end of next week.
Assistance and Support
Wellesley alumnae have donated generously to the Emergency Fund, and these funds have been used to fund travel, cover moving expenses, and provide other support for students. The Wellesley Students’ Aid Society (WSAS) has been an invaluable partner in providing financial assistance directly to students.
The College has provided computers to students who responded to an LTS survey about the challenges they would face completing their coursework remotely from home as well as hot spots and other resources to ensure students have internet access. Students who require additional support to enable them to participate in remote learning should contact the LTS Help Desk.
All students who are on the Wellesley College Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will have coverage for emergency and non-emergency care, hospitalizations, specialty care, mental health care, and prescription medications throughout the United States and abroad. The 2019–2020 coverage period continues through August 14.
This is a difficult situation for students, families, faculty, and staff, and we realize that you will likely have additional questions. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we respond to the evolving situation.
