Medical Appeal
Statement on Tuition and Fee Refunds Related to COVID 19
Undergraduate Credit Courses
Statement
This statement describes the guidelines to be followed by the WCC Tuitions Appeals Committee pertaining to tuition refund requests related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This statement also explains what refunds of fees students may receive and how those refunds will be applied.
Westchester Community College remains operational with remote and other digital alternative learning methods and support services through the COVID-19 related interruption. The college is continuing to deliver its educational commitment to students. Resources are being utilized on an unprecedented scale as the college continues to meet student needs. Therefore, the college will not issue tuition refunds, partial or otherwise, due to the change in delivery/mode of instruction in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Westchester Community College remains operational with remote and other online support services and programs. The college is continuing to deliver programs and services to students. Therefore, the college will not issue Student Activity Fee refunds, partial or otherwise, due to the change in delivery of services and programming in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Westchester Community College’s Meal Plan (Viking Dining Dollars) Refund Policy regarding COVID-19 describes the reimbursement of the unused balance for those students who purchased the meal plan.
Eligibility (Tuition)
This policy is applicable to students
- who have tested positive for and become ill due to COVID-19;
- who have become the primary caregiver to an immediate family member who has tested positive for and become ill due to COVID-19;
- who are responders (Fire, Police, EMS, Army National Guard/Reservist) or Healthcare workers providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protocols and Procedures (Tuition)
Student who tested positive, became ill due to COVID-19, and were impacted so severely as to not be able to finish their course work may request a medical tuition appeal. The student is encouraged to seek a refund as a last resort as many other options exist to support and encourage completion of course work. Please speak with an academic counselor to consider all of your options.
The student will follow the same guidelines outlined in the medical tuition appeal policy.
- The student must provide a letter from their Health Care Provider (medical doctor or county health department) that must include a positive test result for COVID-19, dates of the symptoms and its effect on the student’s ability to attend classes remotely.
Protocols and Procedures (Fees)
Most areas funded by the Student Activity Fee are continuing to be offered remotely allowing students to have access to the same services, programs and support in remote environments. Only a small portion of the Student Activity fee as it relates to the spring 2020 athletic teams is not being utilized due to the discontinuation of onsite intercollegiate athletics. However, the Athletic Department is shifting funds to provide virtual recreational athletic programs for students.
Protocols and Procedures (Meal Plan)
Any student who purchased a Viking Dining Dollars meal plan will be reimbursed the unused balance.
- Refunds will be credited directly to the student’s account.
What happens if I become sick during the semester and need to withdraw?
Can I get a refund?
If you experience an unexpected, extenuating medical circumstance during the semester and must drop your classes, you may submit an appeal for tuition reimbursement to the Refund Committee. You must drop your classes prior to the last day of the semester. An appeal for a refund must be submitted within 1 year from the last day of the semester.
If you decide to request a refund, follow the steps/instructions as outlined below:
- If you have received Financial Aid or loans, you must first meet with a Financial Aid counselor to discuss your options and whether or not you should proceed with the appeal process.
- Drop and/or withdraw from your courses.
- Complete and date the Medical Refund Appeal Form. You can access this form at: (LINK) or contact the Westchester Community College Health Office to have the form faxed or mailed to you. (See the bottom of this page for the Health Office contact information.) The Personal Statement should indicate that the illness or injury was an unexpected, extenuating medical circumstance preventing you from attending school. The statement should also include the approximate dates of attendance as well as the last day you attended class. You may include any other information you feel is relevant.
- Provide Medical documentation. A letter from your Health Care Provider (medical doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner) must include the nature of the illness/diagnosis, dates of the condition and its effect on your ability to attend classes during the semester for which the request is being submitted. Pre-existing conditions are not accepted unless unexpected circumstances occurred or the symptoms exacerbated during the semester for which the appeal is being submitted.
- Submit the Form and medical documentation to the Refund Committee. The documentation can be submitted online by visiting the Medical Appeal Refund Request form, faxed to: (914)606-6423 or mailed to:
Westchester Community College
Health Services, Student Center room 181
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, N.Y 10595
914-606-6610
Please note: A filed appeal does not guarantee an approval. If a refund is approved, future refund requests for reoccurring medical conditions cannot be granted.