CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Many North Carolina college students will soon see a refund check.

On Monday, the UNC Board of Governors decided to partially refund students their housing and dining fees from this semester.

Public universities were forced to close campuses due to the coroanvirus outbreak.

The refund amount will be prorated based on when students left.

"They may need money for new apartments or dining expenses during this time," UNC BOG member Marty Kotis says.

Kotis says students can expect to see the refunds in about three weeks. He doesn't know how much this will cost the schools but hopes help will come.

"I would imagine you'll see federal and state aid to help universities during this time," he says.