No Refund for Arkansas Tech Students Removed from Housing After Coronavirus
Students of Arkansas Tech University received a shock this week when university president Robin Bowen announced that they were to be out of their dorms by April 3rd, and would not receive housing refunds. All Tech students were ordered to leave campus and return home during the COVID-19 outbreak, with the exception of those in need.
Now they’re not allowed to get the money back for time they’re not spending inside their dorms. It’s estimated that a semester of Arkansas Tech housing costs $2,260, according to the university’s website.
“There were many reasons for this initial decision,” Bowen said. “First, student housing contracts at ATU include a no refunds due to emergencies clause. There are also many unanswered questions about the possible negative effects on students and staff if the university issues housing refunds.”
The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is still looking for guidance from the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees before they make a decision on reimbursements.
Tech's students and their families are being mistreated by the university; at times students across the Nation are suffering from many problems. By shutting down dorms and dining halls but keeping all of the money from their students, the university is taking money from the students that it originally promised to be dedicated to their success.
Poynter Law Group fights for students and families. Today, we have prepared a letter to ATU’s President asking her to reconsider her decision, and provide prorated refunds to the students and their families for parking, housing, and meal costs.
Our firm is focused on resolving issues that effect many people in the same way, and is particularly skilled in class action lawsuits. If you, a friend, or a family member is loosing money to a university that has closed its campus, but is retaining your money for parking, student housing, and meals, consider emailing Scott Poynter at scott@poynterlawgroup.com, or by calling (501) 812-3943.