Today, on July 6th, Rutgers University released a statement regarding the University's fall semester plans. In shorter terms, they are leaning towards an online fall semester for most students. Rutgers administration has mentioned that only 'approved populations' (graduate students, international students, students with in person classes, students in family housing, students with extenuating circumstances, and student athletes) will be granted guaranteed housing on campus. I believe that Rutgers should be giving priority housing for all freshmen.

While I understand our global health situation, colleges like NYU, Fordham, Seton Hall, Rowan University, New Jersey Institute of Technology. are welcoming students in person this fall. Rutgers should try their hardest (with health precautions) to bring in new bright and aspiring students, just like those other schools.

Another issue that Rutgers students have is tuition. Most high school seniors this year can agree that online teaching was not the most helpful way of learning; I can vouch for that. Online learning was necessary of course, but without the usual atmosphere of an actual school, it was incredibly hard for students to stay motivated. I have many friends who struggled to turn in assignments on time because they were in a mindset that online school is "useless", or they were having personal troubles at home. And to be honest, a LOT of students feel that way. The fact that many Rutgers students will be paying thousands of dollars for an online semester is terrifying because some of the resources provided in person won't be available anymore (office hours, study groups, etc...). Although we can communicate with professors and other students through tools such as zoom, face to face interaction is engaging, while online interaction can be easily cheated through. Also, due to Covid-19, many families do not have a source of income anymore. Those families facing financial difficulties may include ones who are sending their children to Rutgers. Simply put, if Rutgers decides to keep the tuition the same for online class and in person class, it is not worth it unless we are receiving the full college package, which includes the dorms.

Thank you for your time and consideration.