Hi all!

Firstly, I want to thank you for signing. I shared this in two places and was honestly expecting it to not go as far as it already has. 

Secondly, some updates!

After speaking and working with SGPA (a big thanks to them, also!) I have learned that there IS a possibility to get an exemption to the fee. You can email WPU Residence Life and Housing (residencelife@peace.edu) and explain why you need to have the exemption, in order to be considered for it.

Personally, I still have a few issues with this - primarily that it is only to be considered. Now, I hope and believe that this isn't a strict thing - if you have a good reason, I'm assuming they will not be harsh in their decision. There's also the fact that the offer of an exemption wasn't mentioned in the original email, which I think should have happened, to not cause the panic and stress that it did. 

I also have heard possibilities for the direct reason this change was implemented - but until I get that confirmed, and also make sure that I can share it, I won't be speaking on that. 

It's my belief that this could all be avoided by making every student who wishes to stay on campus sign a waiver, making them legally and financially liable for anything happening during these breaks. I say this, not knowing how those sorts of things work - so it could be possible that that just isn't an option the school has. 

That's all the information I have, though, and my opinions on it thrown in. I want to thank you all again for supporting the cause, even if you aren't one of the students affected. While I learn more information, I promise to continue to update. 

Good luck with your classes, students!