Objection Response Received -- Petition Activated

TUJ STUDENT GOVERNMENT
May 8th/May 9th, 2020 — 

*Important Notice*

- This Petition is now Active.
- All relevant parties in support are highly encouraged to tactfully voice their thoughts in response to Leadership's decision below.
- Updates will continue to be provided to relevant parties in support.

-- Very Respectfully,
Savon Crisp, TUJ Student Government

*Email Response from TUJ Academic Leadership**

Dear Bran:
Thank you for your email. I am sorry that the Student Government feels that the measures taken so far are insufficient. With all respect, I disagree.  

While businesses around the world have shut down, Temple University students, on the Main Campus and at TUJ, are continuing to receive a quality education, and are earning valuable credits and degrees. TUJ students get a highly-recognized American university degree at an excellent rate. TUJ’s tuition and fees are approximately the same as those at a Japanese university, despite the fact that those institutions are subsidized and don’t pay taxes. TUJ provides tremendous value to its students. 

As you know, TUJ has already reimbursed students for the services they are no longer using.  For example, even though we did not go online until well into the spring semester we refunded all of the media fees. In addition, we refunded prorated housing costs, provided free housing for the semester interim period, gave a 33 percent discount on summer housing costs, and are providing emergency funds to students in need. Moving forward, we are not charging activities fees or media fees for the summer, even though there may be some costs to TUJ if we are able to reopen the campus. 

Notwithstanding TUJ’s tremendous value and these refunds and cutting of fees, the university has recommended to its Board of Trustees to keep TUJ’s tuition the same for this coming year.  

The facilities fee for summer has been cut as far as possible. The remaining facilities fee will be spent on, among other things, maintaining the current building facilities which incur various costs even when not in use, as well as enhanced cleaning of the facilities when we re-open, and health/safety supplies. In addition, we do anticipate opening the campus to students during the semester, even if we cannot open fully for classes. In particular, and only if possible, I would like to open up a limited area in the cafeteria for people to use Wi-Fi when the summer semester begins, even before the emergency is lifted. 

I know that this is not the response you wanted, but TUJ and the Main Campus are working to ensure that the tuition and fees paid by our students are sufficient to maintain academic quality and continuity during this crisis. 

Best,
Bruce