William & Mary won't raise tuition, makes other COVID-19 changes

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- William and Mary will not raise tuition for the Fall 2020 semester, the university announced Thursday. An official vote on the matter will be cast at the Board of Visitors meeting next month.

"The Board of Visitors and administration concurred that, due to the impact of the pandemic on admitted students and their families, the Board would roll back a previously adopted 3% tuition increase for incoming in-state undergraduates in fall 2020," a William and Mary spokesperson said. "This would achieve a zero increase for tuition and mandatory fees for all students. The future action to undo the tuition increase is part of the university’s planful response to the COVID-19 pandemic – one among several emergency actions the university will take."

During that May meeting, the college's 2020-21 budget will be presented.

“This pandemic presents so many new challenges for our students and families that we must rethink our planning. William & Mary is focused now and for next year on ways to help flatten the curve of financial impact on our university and our communities,” President Katherine A. Rowe said. “I am so grateful for the Board’s steady guidance and support in that effort.”

The 2020 tuition increase was only going to impact incoming in-state students, not returning students.

"Tuition and fees for out-of state undergraduates and for graduate students are established each spring as part of the Board’s budget resolution. The Board anticipates taking no action regarding students in these categories in May, ensuring that all tuition and mandatory fees will stay flat next year," the school spokesperson continued.

In an effort to save money, William and Mary has instituted a hiring freeze and asked employees to limit spending to “mission critical” purchases.

“William & Mary has been here for 327 years and we intend to be here for all times coming, “ Rowe said. “We are asking the whole of the university to plan prudently. Our planning ahead effort will focus on opportunities and lessons learned. We will bring our best thinking to find creative ways to help to ensure that students and their families, staff, and faculty can continue to pursue our core mission of teaching, learning and research. “I am enormously proud of the powerful sense of shared purpose I see everywhere in the W&M community. Coming out of this crisis, we will be stronger as a result of the challenges we surmount together.”

COVID-19 Precautions

Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.

COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.

Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.