To whom it may concern,

due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities in Pennsylvania have completely switched to online classes and closed their physical campuses to all students, this includes all of the campuses under Delaware County Community College. As a result, students who were enrolled in in person courses have been forced to drastically alter their schedules, studying methods, and exam procedures among many other factors. This is especially true for the many students who have disabilities which negatively impact their ability to function in online courses, and who require the school's in person courses, tutoring, counseling, and general resources in order to succeed academically. 

While I acknowledge that closing all of the campuses was in the student's and staff's best interest given the situation, the school has not made any efforts to reimburse the students financially for our hardships. Even though all students at Delaware County Community College are commuters, we are not paying strictly for the courses we take and associated fees, we are also paying for the college's many amenities including in person access to technology, tutoring and counseling services, disability services and accommodations, clubs and club sports, the school gym, access to lab rooms and lab equipment (for STEM students), access to some art supplies and the art gallery, and access to the school's auditoriums. Access to technology is a huge concern, as a large percentage of students do not have access to the internet at home and can not afford to gain access, which results in those persons having no choice but to withdraw from their courses, of which they will not be reimbursed. 

Many universities and colleges across America have started to recognize the difficult situation of their students, and have made the right decision to partially financially reimburse them for the 2020 spring semester; I am asking the board of trustees of Delaware County Community College to do the same. Please join me in my plea to help all Delaware County Community College students in these hard times. Thank you.

Sincerely, 

Sarah Spaulding, (current student of Natural Sciences at DCCC).