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USM to Issue Prorated Housing, Meal Plan and Parking Refunds to Eligible Students

Fri, 04/10/2020 - 10:46am | By: Jim Coll

Today, The University of Southern Mississippi received guidance from the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) to prorate housing, meal plan, and parking permit refunds for eligible students who are no longer on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The University of Southern Mississippi cares deeply about our students’ success and well-being,” said University President Rodney D. Bennett. “I am pleased that USM will have the ability to offer some financial relief to students and their families during this challenging time, to enable our students to focus on completing academic coursework.”

The following framework will guide the distribution of refunds.

  • Refunds will be prorated from March 23, the first day classes would have resumed if Spring Break had not been extended.
  • Refunds will first be applied to any outstanding balances owed to USM. Remaining funds will be issued directly to eligible students.
  • If housing or meal plan fees were paid by institutional scholarships designated for housing or meal plan costs, the student will not be eligible for a refund.
  • Students who officially withdrew from the University prior to March 23 are not eligible for refunds. 

USM’s goal is to begin the process of issuing refunds to eligible students immediately, and to disburse all refunds no later than May 29. Based on each student’s unique circumstances, it may be several weeks before every eligible student receives a refund.

Students who are eligible for refunds will receive more information via email in the coming weeks.