Bradley University will not reduce tuition or fees for students who take some or all of their classes online this year.
That's according to a missive University President Stephen Standifird sent to students on Thursday.
"We will not reduce tuition or fees for students based on some or all of their courses are being delivered remotely," Standifird wrote. "The quality and value of a Bradley education are not reduced by the online and hybrid formats, and the cost of providing a Bradley education has not been reduced. If anything, those costs have risen as we’ve prepared to provide instruction in a variety of ways."
The communication comes in response to student and parent inquiries about their disappointment in finding out some or all courses will be online, and the timing of the decisions.
Standifird said he understands the concerns of students who wanted a full return to campus, but that must be balanced with the safety concerns of others.
About 700 students opted to take remote classes this semester. About half of all Bradley courses will be entirely online.
On July 31, Bradley University offered faculty the option to teach some or all of their classes online. Non-faculty staff also were encouraged to continue working remotely indefinitely in an effort to limit the number of people on campus.
Standifird said if the university is forced to pivot to 100% online learning again, as it did in March, prorated housing and dining reimbursements will be provided--but not tuition or fees. Students who opted for remote learning may receive credits or reimbursement for housing and dining.
"Regardless of the delivery format, we will continue to provide the high quality Bradley education our students and their families have come to expect. Our current environment requires us to maintain physical distance, but this does not prevent us from being socially connected," said Standifird.
"Our faculty remain deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students. The relationships between faculty and students is and will continue to be, the hallmark of a Bradley education."
Students, faculty, and staff on campus will be subject to COVID-19 surveillance testing this semester. It's part of a plan developed in conjunction with the Peoria City/County Health Department.
Students move back in this weekend. Classes start Aug. 26.
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