While tuition remains the same, the University has adjusted ancillary fees for the summer term to reflect current operations.

“We understand the COVID-19 situation has caused disruption and uncertainty for many in the Queen’s community—including students paying tuition fees,” Mark Green, provost and vice-principal (academic), wrote in a statement to The Journal. 

Regarding tuition, Green stated that fees will remain the same for the fall term, though most programs will be delivered remotely. 

“Tuition is reflective of the quality of the degree and associated learning outcomes,” Green wrote. “Queen’s has invested significant resources to ensure our students receive a quality learning experience and the value of a Queen’s degree is not diminished.”

He added the University plans to ensure all academic components of each program will be met, regardless of the delivery platform. 

“We are committed to providing our students with the extraordinary academic and student experience for which Queen’s is renowned,” Green wrote. 

According to Green, the University intends to deliver an “exceptional” remote educational experience, while also ensuring Queen’s is able to resume in-person learning once the institution emerges from COVID-19. 

“Academic support and resources, administrative services at the program level, scholarship and financial support, and information technology services, paid in part from tuition fees, continue to be available to support students,” Green wrote. 

According to Green, these services include reference materials available electronically through the Queen’s University Library for curbside pick-up, along with student support services including the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC), Four Direction Indigenous Student Centre, Student Academic Success Services (SASS), and Student Wellness Services (SWS). 

“In addition, our Student Awards Office will continue to assist students [in accessing] financial aid through university and government programs,” Green wrote, adding that the University has awarded more than $3 million in emergency bursaries since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Student ancillary fees support activities and services provided by the University and by student governments, faculty and school societies, as well as clubs on campus. 

“Those fees will be adjusted as needed over the summer, in close consultation with student governments, to respond to any operational changes or limitations required by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Green wrote. 

Green explained that an example of this is the ARC access fee, which has now been reduced by 50 per cent for the summer due to the temporary closure of indoor facilities. The fee is still being charged partially as the ARC is providing remote services, such as online workouts, and is also operating outdoor facilities. 

When The Journal inquired about how the AMS is preparing for a scenario in which student ancillary fees are adjusted because of remote learning, the Society wrote that it’s impossible to say what will happen right now because its “contingencies and plans hinge heavily on the University’s plans.”