The Challenge of COVID-19 University Tuition Refunds... Will Chonnam National University Find a Solution?

President Jeong Byeong-seok Holds Public Debate...Explores Measures Including Student Support Funds

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Amid escalating demands from university students for tuition refunds due to 'COVID-19,' Jeong Byeongseok, president of Chonnam National University, has publicly announced plans to explore student support funds, drawing attention.

President Jeong's remarks come at a time when major national and public universities have yet to provide satisfactory responses to students' tuition refund demands. Moreover, it is the first time a national university president has arranged an open forum with students to discuss tuition issues, raising keen interest in how this will impact universities nationwide.

According to Chonnam National University on the 2nd, President Jeong held a 'Student Briefing Session on COVID-19 Response' at 5 p.m. the previous day, attended by about 80 students including freshmen, current students, representatives from each department, the Student Central Operating Committee, and the General Club Federation.

At the session, explanations on the school's current status regarding quarantine, academics, and finances were provided, followed by a Q&A session.

President Jeong stated, "It is realistically very difficult to save or leave unused tuition fees," adding, "We will seek ways to support students in the form of disaster relief funds as a measure of shared hardship."

He continued, "The university budget is mostly rigid expenses such as facility maintenance and faculty salaries, and revenue sources like dormitory fees and language institute tuition have significantly decreased due to 'COVID-19,' causing serious financial difficulties. However, we will gather all available leftover budgets, including suspended project funds, and work with faculty and staff to devise measures to alleviate students' hardships."

Students attending the briefing expressed gratitude, saying, "We appreciate the university authorities for creating a direct and open forum for discussion with students," and argued, "It feels wasteful to pay full tuition for cyber lectures."

They also suggested ▲ disseminating response protocols for the 'COVID-19' situation to alleviate anxiety and ▲ supporting freshmen, who are effectively isolated, to connect with peers and seniors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.