Refund? (Hurricane related question)

[bsnyder]

I can't sleep (worrying about Ivan) and wondered what others think about this situation.

My oldest son is a student at a University near the east coast of Florida. They evacuated the campus last Wednesday, due to Hurricane Frances. Volusia County was hit pretty hard by that storm, and the school is still without electricty and had trees down and roof damage to some buildings.

I just checked their website, and they are now saying they won't reopen the campus until Wednesday next week, at the earliest. That's two weeks of no classes and that assumes no delays due to Hurricane Ivan.

My question is about the meal plan. Should the University have to offer a credit, or refund for two weeks of missed meals? Those plans are not cheap, by any means, and now the students have had to fund those meals out of pocket.

I'm not one to make a big deal about stuff like this (and it's a natural disaster, not something the school could prevent), but I wonder if it's worth pursuing? Would the cost to the University be something their insurance coverage would help them with?

Any thoughts?

 

[Pam]

As the mom to a new college student, I can honestly say that I would be on the horn asking for a refund for the missed meal blocks!! Holy cow! You are not kidding - those meals are expensive!!

They should definitely refund or credit the students accounts for the missed meals.

Does your son life off-campus? I was wondering if students were forced to seek shelter elsewhere if their dorms were temporarily closed down.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Bet, are they going to extend the semester at all? When I was in college (way back when) there was a strike, and we had to make up the time. They added on minutes to each class, and then added a few days to the semester.

They probably haven't figured out what they're going to do as far as getting the whole semester in, and now with Ivan coming...geez. What a mess.

But I would expect they'd probably credit the food plan money, not give refunds.

{{{hugs}}} to all you Floridians.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would think along the lines of Mare there (thanks, Mare ). And good wishes for you and everyone in the days ahead, Bet. (Hope you are getting some sleep now)

 

[DisMN]

Bet, I'm guessing people have already been asking the same question. It won't hurt to add your voice to the list......I would think doing so would encourage the school that it's something they should be asking their insurance company about.

What a hassle you've all been through, huh? Sheesh.......and watching Ivan roll on in as well.

 

[gina2000]

I think Mare's probably right on target with this one, Bet. I'd wait and see. Right now, I'm sure University personnel have alot on their plates.

 

[bsnyder]

Yeah, Gina, that's why I hesitate to call. I'm sure it can all be sorted out later, and I'll definitely say something then, but I'm going to wait to call.

As for the missed time, Mare, you sound like my son. He called me yesterday and was just incredulous, that they were hinting at missing some of next week too. I think he actually is missing his routine, and the classes themselves.

They have a fall break in October (2 days off) and on the website, the school officials said that is definitely cancelled, to help make up the lost days. And that they'll be working with professors in the coming weeks to figure out a plan for each individual class, to make up additional time.