We know that there is a lot of uncertainty due to COVID-19 as it relates to the coming school year. We wish that we had answers to all of the questions that we have been asked, but right now, at least we can answer questions about 2020-2021 housing agreements. It is critical that all chapters fill their houses for the 2020-2021 academic term to make sure that housing can continue to be provided for your chapter for many years to come. Housing agreements for the 2020-2021 academic term are available at https://www.espondaassociates.org. Until further notice, we will be waiving any fees for housing agreements submitted after Friday, May 1.
We are working to ensure that our housing program is the most attractive and flexible option in these trying times. We are aware that there is some uncertainty with the timing of the fall term. As we wait to see what happens, we ask that everyone remain somewhat open-minded. We foresee several possible scenarios, listed below, and we will all have to be prepared to react fairly to these or other situations that may arise.
- Schools start on time as planned.
- Schools have a delayed start date but the length of each term remains the same. In this scenario the academic term may extend well into June or July.
- Schools have a delayed start date and the academic year is shortened.
- Schools begin online in the fall and transition back to in-person classes sometime during fall term.
- Schools are 100% online first semester but in-person classes resume in the spring (students may or may not be living on or near campus).
We are prepared to alter our housing agreements to fit new academic schedules, as/if necessary. Our intent is to provide housing and enforce agreement terms when campuses are open and/or students are able to return to campus. We, like you, do not know what will be happening on your campus. Further communications will be sent to each tenant with updated housing agreement dates and/or rebate information when we know what is happening on your campus.
There is no easy way to reflect this intent within the housing agreement documents themselves, but we presume that the result will be agreeable. As such, please complete your housing applications and sign your housing agreements as they, alongside this letter stating our intentions, should serve as comfort that we will react to the COVID-19 related campus changes as prudent for each location. As a not-for-profit organization, our goal is to provide housing for AEPi students, now and in the future. When classes resume on campus and/or students return, we will have our doors open for you, our Brothers.
If you have any questions or concerns about housing next term, please feel free to let us know!