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March 19, 2020
Dear Parents and Spelmanites,
In the wake of these challenging times, we extend our gratitude to you for your patience as we traverse uncharted territories.
Recently, Spelman shared news of the College’s transition to online instruction and residence hall closures. We understand that you likely have questions regarding tuition payments and room and board costs. In an effort to provide guidance regarding these financial inquiries, we have provided answers to the following frequently asked questions.
Am I still financially obligated to pay full tuition if I cannot return for
in-person learning?
Yes. The College will continue to offer all instruction remotely. Therefore, there will be no
credit or refund for tuition and fees.
Will I receive a refund for room and board?
The College will calculate a pro-rated amount for housing (room) and meal plans (board) covering the period March 22, 2020, to May 9, 2020, which is the last day of classes for the spring semester. The unused meal plan charges are based on the student’s original meal plan selection. This pro-rated amount will be credited to your student account. If the credit results in a credit balance
on the student account, students will receive a refund.
All credit balances created as a result of the room and board adjustments will be refunded beginning April 15, 2020. All refunds will be mailed to the student or parent address on file unless the student has direct deposit. For students who would like to enroll in direct deposit, please log into our payment portal.If my family is pulling together resources for fall semester, can my credit balance be carried forward and applied to future tuition, fees, room or board charges?Absolutely. The College would be happy to honor this request. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts at (404) 270-5161 or (404) 270-5163 or via
e-mail at studentaccount@spelman.edu to indicate your wish to carry forward your credit balance to the upcoming fall semester.
I purchased insurance through the College. Am I still covered although I am away from campus?
All students insured under United HealthCare Student Resources, the Spelman sponsored insurance plan, will have continued coverage until August 10, 2020.
For more information, please visit the Health Insurance Plan page on Spelman.edu.
Will my unused Dining Dollars carry over to next academic year?
Because the College will provide a pro-rata credit or refund for the dining plan charge, you will be unable to carryover unused Dining Dollars.
Will I be refunded any parking fees?
Yes. You will receive a pro-rata share of the total parking fee. Refunds will be processed by the Controller’s Office by May 30, 2020.
Can I be refunded for a cancelled trip or event?
The College has a robust travel program, in which trip hosts, destinations, rules, etc., vary widely. It's best to contact the faculty or staff coordinator of each trip directly to determine whether or not refunds or credits related to the experience will be issued. The same approach should be taken for refunds for events.
Will I still continue to be paid for work study?
While residential colleges are transitioning to online learning, the Department of Education has made allowances for students who are employed in the Federal Work Study program, as part of their financial aid package, to continue receiving their FWS wages. FWS students do not have to be physically present on campus to continue receiving FWS wages. Also, if students in the FWS program are not able to complete all of their responsibilities remotely, they will continue receiving FWS wages at the regular pay schedule. Students in the FWS program will receive instructions from their supervisors via email about remote assignments and documentation required to track disbursements.
If you have questions regarding disbursement of pay, please contact the Office of Payroll at (404) 270-5166.
Best regards,
Dawn Alston
Chief Financial
Officer
Vice President, Business and Financial Affairs
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