A mutual aid fund run by and for Black students at Washington University has raised over $5,000 to alleviate financial pressures exacerbated by the pandemic.

Following Washington University’s decision to suspend on-campus instruction on March 11, all residential advisors received an email notifying that their employment was terminated and their remaining compensation for the spring semester, which includes housing and meal points, would be canceled. RAs were given until March 15 to vacate their on-campus housing and were asked to cease communication with their residents.

Washington University will begin to refund housing and dining balances on a prorated basis, raising several questions regarding additional refunds and forms of compensation for students.

Students and employees in need of emergency funding during the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for financial support through the Crisis Response Student Fund or the Crisis Response Employee Fund, which will continue to accept applications for stipends through the end of the day today.