Brac University establishes student assistance fund

Brac University has established an assistance fund to support students, who are experiencing difficulties due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The Student Assistance Fund is a demonstration of the university's commitment to being a student-centric university, said a press release on Saturday.

Brac University Vice-Chancellor Professor Vincent Chang announced the establishment of the fund; the assistance for the Summer 2020 semester will appear in four forms. 

First, all non-tuition fees will be waived - which is generally equivalent to a reduction of 10 percent or more in university tuition and fees.

Second, the installment plan will be broadened to include a much larger number of students.

Third, need-based financial aid will be given to students who have been particularly affected by recent events or who are in particular financial distress.

Fourth, students who lack internet access will be given special assistance to help them obtain better internet access.

The total special assistance commitment to student aid is Tk15 crores (US$1.8 million), or equivalent to 25 percent of total tuition and fees. 

In addition, the university will continue to provide the normal need-based and merit-based scholarships it has in the past.

Professor Chang has insisted on doing what is best for students, and particularly for the students who need aid the most, despite the financial constraints that the university itself faces.