BGU announced Wednesday that it was adjusting its dormitory rental contracts to take into account the current uncertainty, financial crisis and the possibility of the lockdown being extended. The University will insert a “flexibility clause”, which will enable students to get out of the contracts if they are unable to enter the University campus because of state imposed restrictions.
Above: One of BGU's student dormitories
The clause is an initiative by members of the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management working with members of the Student Union.
BGU VP and D-G David Bareket: “The pandemic is unrelenting, both in its health and economic ramifications. It poses a number of challenges to the University - from how to continue research and teaching to the expenses required to safeguard faculty, staff and students’ health and deal with the new reality of the pandemic.
“Despite the financial hit, the University decided to release students from their dormitory contracts without penalty last semester because we knew it was the right thing to do. Ahead of the coming semester, it was clear we needed to do something similar. Therefore, we added the dormitories to the flexible contract initiative of the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management and the Student Union.
“It is a decision that could cost the University millions of shekels but it is clear we must do the best we can for our students and it is the right decision to make at this time. I am hopeful that the students will be able to return to campus in the near future and establish a routine even during these Corona days.”
