Questions:stud
- Will Mason refund housing payments?
- Will Mason refund dining payments?
- Will Mason refund parking payments?
- Do I need to submit a form to get my refund?
- When will I get my refund payment?
- Can I request to leave the credit on my account?
- When refund checks be sent to international addresses?
- Will I be able to negotiate my refund check with my overseas financial institution?
- Will Mason refund student health insurance payments?
- Will Mason refund a portion of my tuition and mandatory fees due to the conversion to virtual instruction?
- I’m an out of state student and pay a higher tuition rate. Will I get a refund for the difference between the rate I paid and the online tuition rate?
- I don’t have sufficient access to internet away from campus to take courses virtually. Will Mason refund my tuition if I am unable to complete the courses?
- Why is Mason issuing refunds instead of placing a credit on my account for next year?
- I was expecting a different refund amount. How can I determine what was included?
- Why won’t I get a refund? Why didn’t I get a refund?
- I have an outstanding balance for spring term and can’t keep up with my payment plan due to a loss of income. Can I get an extension to pay my balance?
Will Mason refund housing payments?
Yes. All residential students who were on the Housing roster prior to spring break and not living on campus after March 25 (not inclusive of their assigned move-out date after April 13) will get a refund.
This table lists the amount you can expect to receive based on your living situation (residence hall, type of accommodation, etc.)
Students who were not approved to remain on campus after March 25 and will complete the move-out process after April 13 are still eligible for the refund.
Refund amounts are based on prorated rate for the spring semester, less an accommodation for fixed costs that support Housing operations.
Refunds will be issued through the Student Accounts Office.
Mason is processing a large volume of refunds; we appreciate your patience.
Note: if your program matriculated you into Housing (e.g. Mason Korea, China 1:1, etc.), check with your program director about your refund.
Will Mason refund dining payments?
Yes, refunds will be distributed in two ways.
- Bonus and Freedom accounts were closed on March 27 (except those of you still in the residence halls). Remaining balances will be refunded to your account.
- If you’re still living on campus, you’ll have access to open dining locations and convenience stores.
- For Board plans, Mason will distribute refunds based on prorated time (dining days left in the semester), less fixed costs that support dining operations.
This table lists the amount you can expect to receive based on your dining plan
Refunds will be issued through the Student Accounts Office.Mason is processing a large volume of refunds; we appreciate your patience.
Will Mason refund parking payments?
Yes. Refund amounts will be based on a pro-rated value of your permit type, less accommodation for fixed costs that support Parking.
This table lists the amount you can expect to receive based on your parking permit
Refunds will be issued through the Student Accounts Office.
Mason is processing a large volume of refunds; we appreciate your patience.
Do I need to submit a form to get my refund?
Mason has waived the requirement for a Refund Request form to be submitted to Student Accounts.
We’ll distribute refunds through direct deposit into your bank account, or we’ll mail you a check to the permanent address on your record in Patriot Web.
To get your refund, you must ensure that your address is current in Patriot Web or enroll in direct deposit. We can’t mail you a check without an active address in Patriot Web, and our offices are not open for in-person check pick-up.
To update your mailing address in Patriot Web, or if you want your refund sent to a different place, enter the address as a “REFUND RECIPIENT” address in the Personal Information section of Patriot Web. If you’re unsure about how to do this, follow our tutorial on how to update your address in Patriot Web.
If you’re not currently enrolled in direct deposit and would like to receive your refund that way, submit the Direct Deposit form through the by Friday, April 17.
The Direct Deposit form no longer requires a copy of a voided check or your financial institution to provide the required numbers for direct deposit in writing on their letterhead.
If you’re unsure what to do, follow the Direct Deposit Guide’s step-by-step instructions.
When will I get my refund payment?
We’ll issue refunds as quickly as we can, and plan to complete distribution of funds by the end of the semester. Payments will be consolidated and will flow through Student Accounts.
Mason is processing a large volume of refunds; we appreciate your patience.
Can I request to leave the credit on my account?
Due to the volume of refunds being sent out to students, the refund process is automated so all students with a credit will be receiving a refund to clear their account.
Will refund checks be sent to international addresses?
Yes. Please ensure you have a valid address as a “REFUND RECIPIENT” address in the Personal Information section of Patriot Web. If you’re unsure about how to do this, follow our tutorial on how to update your address in Patriot Web. Please note that there are some exceptions to the mail service due to the Postal Service is temporarily suspending international mail for certain destinations due to service impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit here for more information.
Will I be able to negotiate my refund check with my overseas financial institution?
Yes, you should be able to have the bank do “foreign collections” to Wells Fargo on GMU checks.
Will Mason refund student health insurance payments?
No refunds will be provided for international or domestic insurance, per Student Health Services. It’s important for you to maintain access to health care during this public health situation. For more information, contact Student Health Services at 703-993-2831.
Will Mason refund a portion of my tuition and mandatory fees due to the conversion to virtual instruction?
No. Mason is committed to delivering courses through the end of the semester to keep students on track for academic progress and degree completion. We are investing substantial resources in time and technology to convert to virtual instruction to ensure you successfully finish the semester and receive the credits you’ve earned, as well as in associated ongoing operational support and administration. Mason continues to provide essential academic and support services to ensure continuity of our educational programs and university services. Tuition and mandatory fees ensure this support is provided and is ongoing.
I’m an out of state student and pay a higher tuition rate. Will I get a refund for the difference between the rate I paid and the online tuition rate?
No. We will not issue refunds or reduce tuition rates for the spring semester.
We are investing substantial resources in time and technology to convert to virtual instruction to ensure you successfully finish the semester and receive the credits you’ve earned.
I don’t have sufficient access to internet away from campus to take courses virtually. Will Mason refund my tuition if I am unable to complete the courses?
We will evaluate your circumstances on a case-by-case basis. You might be able to get help through the Student Emergency Assistance Fund to continue your studies. If you have questions about the fund and its criteria, contact University Life.
Why is Mason issuing refunds instead of placing a credit on my account for next year?
We considered a credit system, but many students would still require refunds, such as those graduating this year and some who get certain types of federal financial aid.
In addition, some students and their families are dealing with the economic impact of this global crisis, and need cash as they are make alternative living arrangements.
Ultimately, we felt that initiating refunds was the right thing to do to support our students.
I was expecting a different refund amount. How can I determine what was included?
You can review your account detail by term in Bill + Payment to see the amounts listed from Housing, Dining and/or Parking that were included in your refund.
If you have questions, contact the department involved:.
| Department | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Housing | housing@gmu.edu |
| Mason Card Office (for Dining questions) | masonid@gmu.edu |
| Parking | parking@gmu.edu |
Why won’t I get a refund? Why didn’t I get a refund?
Credits from housing, dining and parking will first be applied to reduce or clear any outstanding balances owed to Mason.
You can log in to Bill + Payment to view the activity on your account, including credits posted and whether a refund payment was issued. If you think you were supposed to get a refund and don’t see credits on your account contact the individual offices for assistance so they can review your information.
| Department | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Housing | housing@gmu.edu |
| Mason Card Office (for Dining questions) | masonid@gmu.edu |
| Parking | parking@gmu.edu |
I have an outstanding balance for spring term and can’t keep up with my payment plan due to a loss of income. Can I get an extension to pay my balance?
Yes. Submit your request in writing, describing your circumstances. Give us a general idea of the amount of time you need to pay your bill.
Your letter should include:
- Name.
- Request. For example, extension of payment plan
- Description of reason for request. Events and circumstance prompting the request
- Estimated payment time. When you think you can catch up/make payment.
- Contact information. Email, phone numbers, mailing address
Email your request to Student Accounts.
Be aware that you might be able to get some help by applying to the Student Emergency Assistance Fund.
Note: A financial hold may be placed on your account until the balance has been paid in full. No other penalties will be assessed on the account.