Our Crowdfunding Groups
There is no higher priority than the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. In response to the challenges presented by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Wheaton College has taken significant steps to adjust to our current reality and protect our campus community—including transitioning to a remote learning environment. This was a necessary safeguard.
We recognize that many of our students have experienced financial hardships during these difficult and uncertain times. Contributions to the Student Relief Fund will directly benefit Wheaton students and provide relief for financial hardships, which have and will continue to be experienced by our students. Also, gifts to the college's Student Relief Fund will continue to be instrumental in offsetting the unforeseen costs related to remote learning for our students.
The Student Relief Fund will continue to aid:
Spring 2020 Supporting Those Experiencing Housing & Food Insecurities
Wheaton provided the opportunity for current students to request to stay in housing due to life or travel restrictions. Over 60 students were approved to remain on campus due to their extenuating circumstances. With most campus buildings closed and the only dining option available for on-campus residents being grab-and-go meals, the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact created a food and supplies pantry on campus to provide essential resources for students who remain on campus.
Spring 2020 Remote Learning
The Center for Collaborative Teaching and Learning, the Wallace Library, Media Services, Information Technology Services, and many other college offices worked hard in preparing faculty and staff for the move to remote learning, which began on Monday, March 23. Each department on campus started supporting students in a new world of remote operations, which requires significant adjustments to business as usual. With additional resources allocated, the community was able to come together virtually to help provide tech support for online coursework, advising, career services, and a host of engagement activities that are central to Wheaton's liberal arts mission.
Spring 2020 Housing Refunds
Students who were no longer residing on campus for the spring term received a credit equal to 50% of the spring housing and meal plan charges. The credit was not reduced by the amount of financial aid they receive. The college's decision not to offset the credit with aid was our commitment to our students and their families during this challenging time when so many are facing economic challenges.
Spring 2020 Student Employment
To support students employed by Wheaton College through the Federal Work-Study and the Wheaton Work programs, the college created a new policy during this time of altered operations. The college committed to continuing to pay all student employees based on the average hours the campus employer reported for each student working from January 22, 2020 to March 7, 2020.
