Refunds and Other Financial Assistance
Wednesday, April 01
Dear Huskies,
Over the past several weeks, you have experienced unique challenges, such as relocating to permanent residences and being separated from friends and family while adapting to new methods of learning. We thank you for your patience during this time as we have made critical and difficult decisions to keep you, faculty and staff safe.
We understand that COVID-19 has impacted students and their families in profound ways, including financially. Recently we have been working to develop a plan to address the financial implications due to COVID-19.
Housing
As we have previously announced, students who were not able to remain in the residence halls for the remainder of the semester will receive a pro-rated credit for their housing room rates. The credits will be processed and reflected on student accounts by April 15.
Meal Plans
Likewise, all meal plans will be prorated by the daily rate associate with the plan. If applicable, any unused Dining Dollars will be rolled over to fall 2020. The meal plan credit will be processed and reflected on student accounts by April 15.
Refunds
For student accounts resulting in a credit balance, refund checks and direct deposits will be processed by April 17. Checks will be mailed on Friday, April 17. Checks can take 5 to 10 business days to be delivered. We suggest that students complete and submit the direct deposit authorization form for quicker access to refunds.
Enrollment for Summer 2020
As the summer enrollment term approaches, we are pleased to announce that we have authorized our Student Account’s office to waive the online course fee ($240 per class) and provide a 15% tuition discount for all students who register for six (6) hours or more and complete their summer 2020 registrations by April 17, 2020. The 15% discount will automatically be applied to graduate students and online students who may have already registered for six (6) hours or more of summer 2020 courses. This discount applies to the summer 2020 classes only.
We are committed to working as quickly as possible to assist all our students. If you need help resolving any financial issues, please contact FinancialAid@HBU.edu or StudentAccounts@HC.edu for assistance.
Financial Holds
Any currently enrolled student with an outstanding balance of $5,500 or less will be allowed to enroll in classes for summer 2020 and fall 2020. The outstanding balance for prior terms must be reduced to no more than $1,500 by Wednesday, August 26, 2020 or the schedule of classes for the fall registration may be canceled unless the balance is included in a fall payment plan. Outstanding balances from spring term can be included in summer or fall payment plans.
Work Study
For all students with work-study jobs, HCU is providing continued work-study funds based on prior work and available funds. The pay will be processed over the remaining normal pay periods for the spring semester. Work-study students whose position has been deemed essential and who have continued to work will receive an additional stipend.
CARES Act
Current Student Assistance
The CARES Act, which was signed into law by the President of the United States on March 27, provides assistance which may provide additional benefit to students, in the form of grants, to meet “cost of attendance” needs including food, housing, course materials, technology and designated expenses. These funds will be distributed directly to HCU from the Department of Education through the Title IV system. At this time, we do not know when these funds will be received. In addition, we are awaiting guidelines from the Department of Education regarding how the funds are to be distributed. We commit to you to share that information with you as soon as it is available to us.
Student Loan Provisions
The CARES Act includes several provisions that apply to certain loans owed by some federal student loan borrowers. More information may be found at https://www.studentloanborrowerassistance.org/what-the-cares-act-means-for-repayment-of-federal-student-loans/.
We recognize the challenges and hardships that many of you are facing. We appreciate your understanding as HCU transitioned to remote instruction during this unprecedented time. While the course delivery has changed for the last half of the semester due to circumstances beyond HCU’s control, classes are still taking place with the same faculty, and you will receive credit for classes completed. We have heard positive reports from professors of how well you are adapting to remote instruction, and we are grateful for your approach to learning and your resiliency, especially during this time.
We look forward to the day we can welcome you all back to campus.
Blessings,
Houston Christian University Financial Operations