Typically online classes are more expensive than in person. So should universities charge more? No. While online classes aren't the greatest they are basically the only feasible alternative for now. Though given that tuition includes stuff such as fitness centers and things of that nature refunds should be addressed in those cases.
Counterpoint- why should the university have to refund a student tuition for a natural disaster- especially if they provide the service they said they would? For example- if you pay to take a flight to Hawaii- and an amenity that flight offers is complimentary drinks... if they get you to Hawaii but run out of grape juice- is a partial or full refund warranted?
Now- a hotel and an airline are customer SERVICE industries. So it would be NICE if they at least did something for you- a partial refund, a future discount, an alternate option- but most countries laws allow for substitutions when there is a clear and prudent case, and there isn’t a functional difference for the primary intended purpose. Most services and products often contain additional disclaimers to this fact as well- as do many contracts. If you buy a first class plane ticket- you paid extra for it. They can put you in coach- and they’d generally have to pay you back the differences in costs. But- college is flat rate- and a degree is a degree. If they provide you the ability to get the same degree as anyone else- they did as promised- and unlike a room or seat upgrade- wether there is no pool etc- you paid the same tuition as anyone who doesn’t use or care about those facilities.
On top of that I’m sure whatever agreement you signed to enroll in the university has contract language stating that things like the fitness center aren’t guaranteed.
Personally- I do think they should give some type of special consideration to students- wether that is some sort of discount or even some classes or units they can go after for free or reduced cost- a small credit to a future semesters tuition etc- SOMETHING just as a sort of service to their peers- and of not that then resources and aid for students in need at this time would be a sufficient benefit. Those not in need- are by default not impacted in a way that requires anything be given to them.
But- at the end of the day- not only is there precedent where schools end entire curriculums or programs before people can complete them- without refund; but if the library, the pool, the rev center are closed for remodeling, tornado damage, fire, cleaning, etc etc- what precedent supports prorating tuition based on the downtime of these facilities? If you sign up for a school because of its winning sports team or athletic program and they change coaches or have a losing streak- do you get money back?
And as a practical matter: WHO is effected? To what degree? How much is that worth? If you were to go to court looking for damages- you’d need a few things... How much of your tuition goes towards the rec center or the pool? You can’t claim more of a refund than these things cost right? You’d also need to prove you were damaged. Do YOU, personally use these things? How much or how often? There are many intangibles to it- but if the pool or rev center aren’t part of your tuition- but are amenities offered to students... they cost you nothing. Your tuition pays for education and the rest is a bonus incentive to that school right?
But if ALL schools pools and rec centers are closed- then the primary incentive is what? Quality of education- in this case- online education. So... then the school HAS benefited your education. Now you know to pick a school on merit and not on amenities next time. So I guess... the tuition was spent to learn- and learning has been served.
Seriously though- should that be on the schools? They didn’t give the order to close in most cases. Inmost cases it was mandated by legal power. So if people want a refund... that’s what disaster relief agencies are in part for isn’t it? Of course we might say that it’s somewhat childish to seek damages from the government for taking action for the safety of you and technically the whole nation/world right?
In closing, ask yourself this: if a school had left the option to students that despite everything, they could continue to come to class:
1. What if the teachers refused? Would you wish the school either fire or force teachers into a situation they felt their lives were in danger? And is An in person teacher the school found last minute who was willing to risk it- better than tenured it established faculty teaching online?
2. Would YOU show up to class with others willing- knowing that you could all die or infect and kill someone else? If it wasn’t an order but an option- would you be there using those things today? If no- what refund then? You wouldn’t go to class if you could right? If yes- the education you need isn’t one you get from a degree.
They should nix the whole operation and start again after this covid19 bullshit clears - like so many other institurions are doing- and yes absolutely refund tuition because the general population could use a little extra padding in their bank account at the moment. They should do this because no one is able to focus on anything right now, even if the service is available. Most people are focused on their jobs, loved ones, and well basically all the other needs Maslow mentions and will not benefit from a lecture and an exam on Maslow at this point. Stay home. Wash your hands. Don't touch your face.
1. What if the teachers refused? Would you wish the school either fire or force teachers into a situation they felt their lives were in danger? And is An in person teacher the school found last minute who was willing to risk it- better than tenured it established faculty teaching online?
2. Would YOU show up to class with others willing- knowing that you could all die or infect and kill someone else? If it wasn’t an order but an option- would you be there using those things today? If no- what refund then? You wouldn’t go to class if you could right? If yes- the education you need isn’t one you get from a degree.