Due to the unprecedented spread of COVID-19, educational systems across all levels throughout the United States have taken the decision to keep students at home in order to prioritize their safety, opting to implement virtual instruction as opposed to in-person classes. Although this move greatly reduces students’ and faculty members’ chances of being exposed to illness on campus, VCUarts are left without studio spaces, print resources, and technologies necessary for their major.

Students at VCU, whether enrolled in art classes or not, if they fall under an art major, are charged up to $1000 in tuition differential costs each semester, which is applied to the individual departments for the cost of materials, services, and equipment, resources that VCUart students typically take advantage of on campus. 

Because VCUarts students are no longer allowed access to the resources included in these costs, we, as a community, are asking for a prorated refund of this fee or credit to next year's charges. This approach is being adopted by university housing and dining plans across the country. VCU art students respectfully request the same consideration.