In the ongoing response to COVID-19, Iowa State University has failed to fairly compensate its students for lost services. All three regent schools will be compensating for housing, dining and course fees. 

The key difference between ISU and the two other regent universities is this: ISU will not be compensating recreational services. These refunds amount to about $20 at UNI and $80 at the University of Iowa — $0 at ISU. 

Iowa State will not be refunding any other fee, except student parking. This refund option is not even available to our staff members (many of whom are working from home like students) unless they decide to end their employment with Iowa State. 

Based on the information given to me by Recreation Services, if I was a non-student member of Rec Services, I would be compensated for the days of closure. As a student, I am not. 

It is frustrating that Iowa State cannot analyze their budgets and compensate students appropriately and fairly for missing services. If students email the administration about the disparity, they will be fed a copy-and-paste response stating online fitness classes on Instagram and access to esports are adequate compensation for our closed well-equipped, two fully-staffed gymnasiums. Is it? 

The university is handling mandatory fees differently, I was told. How exactly? The University of Iowa is providing free online fitness classes through Zoom and esports while continuing to process refunds for their recreational services. In fact, see for yourself if ISU is providing more than the University of Iowa; it looks doubtful, if not fewer services. 

The University of Iowa and UNI made the just and right decision to prorate as many services funded through mandatory fees, including a $16 Cultural and Arts Event fee at the University of Iowa. The university administration’s decision to withhold refunds for all mandatory fees is a betrayal of trust from our university.

To me, this is not about the finances, though any additional refund could be beneficial for our fellow students in need. To me, it is a matter of equity, and I am not sure how the university administration can claim they strived for fairness at all. Until these decisions are reevaluated, President Wintersteen cannot appreciate my understanding concerning these refunds, because I do not understand them.

Make your voice heard: Email President Wintersteen and ask her and her staff to reevaluate their decision. Students can make a difference. In fact, sparked by student outrage, the University of Minnesota administration will be proposing a more comprehensive refund package. My peers deserve better—they deserve what is fair.