This year, as the COVID-19 pandemic shapes a whole new design of schooling and education, costs must accordingly be adjusted as well. SMU has made plans to open in Fall 2020, with students returning to their homes following the thanksgiving break. This leaves about 15 days of on campus living that will now instead be done online. Of course, you would expect costs to be adjusted for room and board that will be unused, however this is not the case. Most students have not even been communicated with regarding unchanged prices. After contacting the office you are told that you have the option to request to live on campus should you value getting your money’s worth over your health. SMU is making students choose to lose $2,175** or make a request to live on campus and risk their health following thanksgiving break. Room and board costs must be at least lowered by $2,175, not accounting for the events that will be missed out on during this shortened semester.

**59 school days from August 24th to December 18. 15 school days from November 30th to December 18. $17110 cost of yearly room and board. $8555 per semester. $8555/59 school days=$145 per day. $145 times 15 days is $2175. (Based on Fall 2019 academic calendar)