Student-friendly initiatives created in response to coronavirus

A number of Wright State University offices have collaborated to enact student-friendly initiatives to help students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We want to try and be friendly and helpful to our students knowing they’re facing challenges right now,” said Steve Sherbet, university bursar and director of treasury services. “We’re really trying to look out for our students and do everything we can to help them out and encourage them to continue to attend.”

Wright State developed a plan to issue refunds and credits to students for housing, meal plans and parking for the spring 2020 semester. Refunds will be issued for expenses students paid out of pocket and will not include scholarships or grants. Learn more.

The university is working on a plan for funds from the CARES Act, the federal stimulus bill, to help provide additional financial assistance or relief for students. Plans should be announced next month, Sherbet said.

The university also won’t assess late payment fees for April and May. The spring withdrawal deadline was extended to April 17.

All undergraduate students may convert courses to Pass/Unsatisfactory grading for the spring 2020 semester. No limits will be placed on the number of courses that students can convert to Pass/Unsatisfactory, and students will be able to make their decision on a course-by-course basis.

Wright State will also offer graduate students the option to convert any course grade to Pass/Unsatisfactory grading for the spring 2020 semester. Courses in the M.D. or Psy.D. degree programs are not covered by this option.

Wright State will not automatically drop class registrations for students registered for the summer 2020 semester for incomplete or non-payment of fees. Students who registered for summer classes and wish to drop one or more classes must log in to WINGS Express and complete the steps to drop the course. Learn more.

“We want to give students ample time to get back on their feet and get the financial resources in place so they can attend for the summer term,” Sherbet said.

The Department of Education implemented federal government relief measures for federal student loans, including forbearance for federal student loans allowed until Sept. 30, 2020, retroactive to March 13, 2020; automatic zero percent interest rate through Sept. 30, 2020; and ceasing of any wage garnishment or debt collections for most student borrowers.

Support services, tutoring and academic advising have been provided remotely by Academic Advising, the Academic Success Centers, Career Services, Placement Testing and the Math Studio.

Students can also receive support from the Student Retention Team by contacting 937-775-5000 or raidersupport@wright.edu.

RaiderConnect staff can be reached at 937-775-4000 (leave a detailed message and a staff member will return your call) or raiderconnect@wright.edu.

Students are encouraged to check the university’s COVID-19 website for updated information about resources and support.