On Sept. 15, University President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., announced that all full-time students will receive the opportunity to take up to two classes at no additional charge this summer through Fordham. 

Fordham’s 2021 summer offerings will be expanded to include a greater number of courses required for graduation, undergraduate research opportunities, internships that carry academic credit and opportunities through the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

He said, “The University itself has … likewise been challenged to adapt, and quickly, as never before.”

Kyan Hejazi, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’22, said that the move for free summer courses was “extremely exciting but frustrating because people will be out of NY by then — they should have made this decision a long time ago COVID or not.”

McShane also announced that room and housing fees for the fall 2020 semester will be adjusted on a pro rata basis to reflect the end of hybrid learning at Thanksgiving break. Previously, pro rata refunds were only to be issued if the residence halls were to close earlier in the semester because of the pandemic.

According to McShane, Fordham’s financial aid budget has been “increased significantly to alleviate the economic impact of education expenses on families experiencing sudden and extreme financial hardship.” 

The university has also said it has been waiving late fees and deferring financial holds on overdue student accounts, and it has committed to working with families to resolve financial challenges. 

McShane said all non-essential University spending has been slashed and all salaries have been frozen. He acknowledged that while the university seeks to avoid further cost-cutting actions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “they are a distinct possibility given the challenging budget picture.”

Aysesu Yilmaz, FCLC ’22, said, “Besides getting partial refunds on our spring 2020 dorms, this is the first time since the COVID pandemic started that Fordham has taken its students’ needs into account. Given the unprecedented economic and academic difficulties during the pandemic, this new plan for free credits is going to be very helpful, and has restored my faith in Fordham.”

McShane ended his email by saying that as a result of the actions the university has taken he believes that “students will experience an outstanding, transformative Jesuit education this school year, delivered by dedicated and innovative faculty, despite the circumstances.”