The spread of COVID-19 has caused many underlying issues for people in the U.S, but most importantly college students. Many college students have been encouraged, if not forced, to leave their respective campuses due to the rapid expansion of COVID-19 all over the country. Arkansas State University has implemented the necessary measures to prevent the virus from coming into contact with the student population on campus. These measures have been cancelling all face-to-face classes and transferring class instruction remotely online, and the closing/limiting of numerous campus facilities such as recreational centers, laboratories, counseling centers, residence halls, and dining areas. 

We appreciate our chancellor Kelly Damphousse for being apprehensive and taking the necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of the students, but the financial influence of students is as equally important. Many students who are enrolled on this campus are immensely concerned with the decision to not receive a partial refund for our housing and other fees that are included in our student bills. Many students enrolled have seized the burden of student loans and having to work throughout their college education to obtain their degrees. Due to the measures taken, we are now still required to pay tuition and fees for facilities we are no longer able to utilize. 

Many students would substantially benefit from a partial refund due to the many facilities we have limited or no access to, and the burden of paying student expenses and loans with little to any work due to the state of Arkansas closing many establishments. 

Due to the financial ramifications, we are proposing this petition to Kelly Damphousse and Arkansas State University to grant the students enrolled a partial refund.