UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., shared this message on March 17 with the university community:
There is nothing more important than the health and safety of all who call UNMC home during these challenging times. We also understand the financial hardship these unique circumstances may bring to all students and their families.
As we have begun remote learning, we want to empower students to focus primarily on their health, safety, and education. I want you to know that leaders at UNMC are working on solutions that will provide some financial relief and operational clarity.
Again, thank you for your patience as we undertake the unprecedented task of working through a series of campus design challenges.
Student options
For students, here are several options for you to consider as you make plans to complete the semester either on campus or at home:
Campus Housing Refund Option
Today, we want to share that UNMC will provide a 60% housing refund on remaining contract values with a prorated effective date of March 15. Refunds will first be applied to any outstanding balances a student may have on their account, such as tuition and fees. To take advantage of this refund option, students must formally checkout prior to March 24. Please note that students can cancel their contract after March 24 subject to existing contract cancellation terms. International students are of course welcome to continue to stay in campus housing till the end of their contract.
Parking Refund Option
Prorating for student refunds may differ slightly depending on type of permit. Student permit holders will receive a prorated refund from March 15 through the end of the current semester.
Faculty and staff options
We wish to provide guidance to support the unique faculty, staff and student worker circumstances necessary to respond to COVID-19. UNMC has existing sick, crisis and vacation leave options, as well as flexible policies to allow faculty to work on alternate work arrangements and sites, including at home, with department chair/head approval.
These policies now are open to all university faculty, staff including student workers, recognizing that unique circumstances (plant labs, animal labs, research governed by specialized contracts and/or federal regulations, etc.) may require creative solutions and designation of essential on-campus personnel. In many cases, faculty, staff and academic administrative leaders are encouraged to use alternate work arrangements and telecommute options where applicable. This will be determined at the college and departmental level.
If an absence is not related to COVID-19, continue to follow sick and vacation leave policies.
All-Campus Notice
Effective Tuesday, March 17, at 5 p.m., all campus recreation activities and services at the Center for Healthy Living will discontinue for the semester. Individuals who have personal items in lockers are asked to retrieve them by 5 p.m. or schedule an appointment for retrieval by calling 402-559-5254. Thank you in advance for your patience, support and dedication as we work together to strategically address the challenges associated with COVID-19.
As a reminder, the university coronavirus updates page continues to provide information about the virus, answers to frequently asked questions, important announcements concerning the university’s response and critical guidance for all members of our community.
We will continue to provide updates as circumstances evolve.