To: University Boards, University Presidents, Federal Education Programs, Attorneys General, State University Systems 

From: Universities United, College Coalition, #LowerUniFees #NoResourceNoFee, 

Nationally, higher education institutions are billing students for services and an education of which they have severely limited or no access to as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time that students do not have the ability to engage in the traditional college experience and utilize campus resources, we are asked to pay the same astronomical prices. 

These decisions by Universities have sparked national outrage. Class action lawsuits, petitions, volumes of news coverage, and more have resulted - and still many institutions have not reduced the costs of their fees and/or tuition costs despite it being the just thing to do. 

Institutions should lean on their donors, the federal government, savings, endowments, and other revenue streams during this time to supplement their financial needs. In the midst of a global pandemic, this would be the fair action to take for the sake of caring for their student body rather than depleting resources from those the institutions are meant to serve. 

As a result of the lack of action from our University leaders, this national campaign combines our efforts into one comprehensive call to Universities and Colleges.

Universities have garnered millions over the years and pay their top employees often over six figure salaries. As push came to shove last semester and at the start of this year, students and staff have not been made the priority but instead a resource for extraction. We stand to say no more.

As seen plainly by the national exploitation of some college athletes during COVID-19 at the inevitable compromise of their health, higher education has functioned as a business more than an educational tool for too long. Now is the time more than ever for our voices to be heard. Take action today with the steps below:

Institutions that have granted these costs reductions did so because they stated it was the right move to make on behalf of their students and the long term health of their institutions - despite potential revenue loss. Other institutions need to be creative and ethical as well to ensure funds are adjusted accordingly.

Take action today with the steps below:

Step 1: 

Sign this petition

#LowerUniFees #NoResourceNoFee

Step 2: 

Copy and email this or a similar message to your relevant University and state leadership:

Dear University Leadership,

I am a concerned (student/parent/faculty or staff member) at (insert university). I write to you in solidarity with students and parents nationwide who have recognized the lack of care provided to students at this time as it relates to the over-charging of fees and/or tuition given the presently compromised University experience. 

As students enter the 2020-2021 school year, the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, civil unrest continues, and students and families face unprecedented personal challenges ranging from loss of income to loss of life. In the wake of these challenges, a growing movement of past, current, and future students continues to ask all of us to re-evaluate the burdening cost of higher education across the United States.

We ask that colleges and universities adjust, reduce, or refund the financial burden on students and families. We ask that you look to other funding sources to supplement your financial needs and reevaluate your current priorities. It is not the job of students or their parents and families to keep higher education financially viable during this time. It is the job of colleges and universities to charge students accordingly with the services and educational experiences offered at this time.

As over 50,000 cases of COVID-19 have accumulated since the reopening of universities this fall, the 2020-2021 school year represents an opportunity to re-evaluate higher education and the health of its relationship with students, campus workers, and families. We ask: what is the hundreds of thousands of dollars invested by students and families in higher education worth if these institutions will not accommodate students and families during a global health crisis and economic collapse? With the financial and emotional strain this is placing on your constituents, the closing of campuses nationwide, the inexperience of educators with an online format, and the inability of many to even access online learning, please consider doing the just action of adjusting the cost of your institution this upcoming semester. 

I look forward to you taking this step to stand with your students,

(your name/signature)

 

Step 3:

Sign our coalition's subset of petitions. If you have further ideas for collaboration or looking to join our coalition please reach out to: LowerTuitionFees@Gmail.com 

Solidarity LinkTree: Linktr.ee/LowerUniFees

Step 4: 

Continue outreach! 2020 is the perfect opportunity to shift from placing profits over people and we will not stop until we receive those outcomes. Share this petition and LinkTree with friends, family, and more by messaging your contacts and posting online.