Dear Students and Families,

Thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate this ever changing environment. It was our sincere hope that Centenary would be able to complete the fall semester without restricting on campus residence. However, with the surge in COVID-19 infection rates in the state and region this did not prove feasible. As indicated in the communication from Dean Mullins late last month, our concern for the health and safety of Centenary students and employees was paramount in this decision.

Students who were living on campus will receive a credit for room and meals for the time they were not allowed to return to campus. The University will follow the same procedure used this past spring semester, and outlined below, for determining these credits. A credit will be posted directly to each student’s account who has paid for room and board.

The Calculation

• Students who vacated their residence hall on or after 30 November 2020 due to the restriction of campus residence will be eligible for a per diem credit adjustment for room and meals. Students who remained in Centenary housing for the full semester will not receive a credit.
• The credit amount will be adjusted if the student received institutional assistance (Jefferson Award/Grant) greater than the cost of tuition and fees, because the Jefferson Award/Grant paid for some or all of the student’s room and meals. Students who have received the Jefferson Award/Grant to assist with room and board expenses will have that aid adjusted.
• Should there be a balance due on the account at the time the credit is issued, the credit will be applied toward the balance. Any remaining credit will be disbursed or applied toward a future semester.
• Graduating students: Credits will be applied to all student accounts as described above. Any remaining credit above and beyond a balance due will be refunded or credited directly to the student beginning 17 December 2020. If a student’s account balance is zero at the end of the semester, they will receive their full calculated credit as a refund.
• Returning students (anyone who has yet to complete degree requirements): Credits will be applied to all student accounts as described above. A credit balance can remain on the student’s account to be used toward payment of future tuition, fees, room and board, or a refund for the credit balance can be requested.
• All students: A credit balance can also be waived as a way of helping the University and other students during this unprecedented situation. This “re-investment” is something that we understand not every family may be able to do during these challenging times. Therefore, we are asking that if your family can help by waiving the credit, or even a portion of it, and donating to the Centenary Fund our collective support will help ALL of the students move forward and continue with their educations at Centenary. We are facing an uncertain future together and need each other now more than ever. Thank you for your consideration of this request and we wish you and your family all the best.

The Process

• To provide instructions on how you would like your credit treated, please complete this form by 16 December 2020. If a completed form with your choice is not received by this date, the credit adjustment on the account will automatically be applied towards future semester charges.
• Requested refunds of valid credit balances will be processed via check. A check will be prepared in the name of the student and mailed to the home address beginning 14 January 2020. Students should verify or indicate if the address is different from the address on file.

If you have questions, please email the Student Accounts Office at studentaccounts@centenaryuniversity.edu