The University of Arkansas System universities and colleges will not be raising students’ tuition for the fall of 2020.
The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas met earlier today for a special board meeting via teleconferencing to discuss the future in the midst of COVID-19.
University of Arkansas System President Donald Bobbit proposed to not raise tuition or fees this fall in light of the financial uncertainty for many students and their families. The trustees approved the proposal with no opposition.
Tuition and fees have been increasing almost every year this century at nearly every UA System and public institution in Arkansas since state funding for public institutions has remained stagnant. The proposal that passed only applied to the fall semester, so schools may have the option to change tuition and fee rates for the spring semester.Â
The trustees also approved a resolution authorizing campuses “to provide prorated credits or adjustments to students for room and board costs.” For graduating students, the resolution authorizes “prorated distributions for room and board costs.”
The details on reimbursements will be determined by each campus. Not all of the UA System universities have closed their residence halls during this time.
Summer classes at all colleges and universities will not meet in-person. Although there are possible exceptions, Bobbit must approve them and social distancing measures will need to be in place.Â
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