Central Michigan University shared its response to COVID-19 with members of the Michigan House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges Wednesday.
CMU President Bob Davies said CMU was the first to freeze tuition for the upcoming academic year. He said in addition, the university has increased scholarship options.
"We are offering deferred and flexible payment options," Davies said. "We are the only university guaranteeing on-campus employment for any student who wishes to work while they pursue their academic goals."
He said these efforts will help keep the university accessible and affordable for students.
Davies said the full extent of the financial damages caused by the crisis is still unknown.
"We are proactively streamlining operations and have also reduced budgets universitywide," Davies said. "And we are preparing for possible changes in state support."
Central Michigan University has faced declining enrollment numbers in recent years. Davies said those numbers already had a substantial impact on university finances prior to COVID-19.
Last week, the university announced plans to start the Fall 2020 semester early. Classes will begin on August 17 and end on November 25.
