Frequently Asked Questions:

Billing Questions	Authorized User Questions
Payment Questions	Refund Questions
Convenience Fee Questions	Miscellaneous Questions

Billing Questions

Question: What are the rates for tuition and fees?

Tuition and fees for 2011-12 can be found at http://www.wmich.edu/registrar/tuition/index.html.

Courses offered at Regional Locations are not part of the flat rate tuition structure. For additional information on tuition and fees for the Regional Locations and Online Education, please visit http://www.wmich.edu/offcampus/tuition.

Question: When will I receive a semester Tuition and Fees and Residence Hall invoice?

A semester invoice is sent to all students who are registered for classes approximately one month prior to the beginning of the semester. The semester invoice will include the tuition, fees, room and board, pending financial aid, and class schedule for the semester. The tuition is due the first day of the semester.

If a student is not registered when the invoices are sent, their monthly statement on the web will reflect their charges, payments and pending financial aid. You will receive notification via email when your statement is available on line. Using you Bronco NetID and password you can view your statement at http://gowmu.wmich.edu in the Payment and Account Information channel. You may also assign authorized users to receive email notification and access your account information. The monthly statement will not include your class schedule. Students can view their class schedule at http://gowmu.wmich.edu in the My Self Service channel. You will need your Bronco NetID and password.

Using their Bronco NetID and password students can check their account balance at http://gowmu.wmich.edu in the Payment and Account Information channel. Parents that are authorized users may make payments at https://wapps.wmich.edu/authuser.

Question: What address will my semester Tuition Fees and Residence Hall invoice be mailed to?

The semester Tuition Fees and Residence Hall invoice is mailed to the permanent address. You can view the local and permanent address the University has on file for you and make any changes.

Question: Will I receive a new tuition invoice if I drop, add, or register after the initial billing date?

No, You will NOT receive a revised Tuition Fees and Residence Hall invoice. Using your Bronco NetID and password you can obtain your account balance at http://gowmu.wmich.edu in the Payment and Account Information channel.

Using your Bronco NetID and password your monthly statements can be accessed at http://gowmu.wmich.edu in the Payment and Account Information channel. The most recent monthly statements are available after the 15th of each month. The statement will reflect the previous balance, charges, payments, accepted financial aid, and balance due. The monthly statement will not include the class schedule. Students can view their class schedule online.

Question: What happens if I lose my semester Tuition Fees and Residence Hall invoice?

Using your Bronco NetID and password you can verify your account balance at http://gowmu.wmich.edu in the Payment and Account Information channel.

Question: How do I obtain my most recent monthly statement?

Using your Bronco NetID and password your monthly statements can be accessed at http://gowmu.wmich.edu in the Payment and Account Information channel. The most recent monthly statements are available after the 15th of each month. The statement will reflect the previous balance, charges, payments, accepted financial aid, and balance due. The monthly statement will not include the class schedule. Students can view their class schedule online. You may also assign authorized users to receive email notification and access your account information. Monthly statements are NOT mailed to enrolled students. A monthly statement will be mailed to non-enrolled students.

Question: What happens if I don't pay my account balance on time?

If you do not pay your account balance on time a hold may be placed on your account which may prevent you from registering for classes, the ability to obtain a transcript or diploma. You may also be subject to service charges of 1.5% monthly (18% annually).

Questions: How do I change my address?

You can view the local and permanent address the University has on file for you and make any address changes by logging into GoWMU with your Bronco NetID and password. Go to:

"My Self Service:

select "View/Update My Personal Information"

It is important the University has the correct address for mailing the tuition invoice, refund checks and any other correspondence.

Question: What do I need to do if my employer, sponsor or some other agency is paying my tuition?

Western Michigan University (WMU) participates in Third Party Billing to companies, embassies, or other organizations that have agreed to pay a student’s tuition and fees. Any student who is sponsored by a Third Party must submit a letter of authorization on the company/organization letterhead or have the Third Party complete the Third Party Authorization for Payment form. Any Third Party who is sponsoring more than five students will need to complete the Third Party Annual Profile form.

The letter of authorization must include the following and be received no later than three weeks prior to the start of the semester. Please send your authorizations to: Accounts Receivable, Western Michigan University, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5210.

The student's name
Western Identification Number (WIN #)
Semester/Year(s) covered
Specific classes covered (or the amount or maximum credit hours they will pay)
Address and phone number of the Third Party payer

Accounts Receivable will send an invoice to the Third Party after the drop/add period. Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice and is not contingent upon the student successfully completing the course. If the company does not pay the authorized amount, it will be charged back to the student's account. Please call (269) 387-4251 with any questions about Third Party accounts.

Payment Questions

Question: What methods of payment does the University accept?

WMU accepts payments by electronic checking or savings on the web. Credit and debit card payments can be made only online and are subject to a convenience fee of 2.75 percent or $3, whichever is larger. Students can log in at http://gowmu.wmich.edu using your Bronco NetID and password and select the Payment and Account Information channel. Authorized users may make payments at https://wapps.wmich.edu/authuser .

Payments by mail can be made by check. Payments can be made in person at Bronco Express with cash or check. No credit or debit card payments are accepted by mail or in person.

Question: What credit or debit cards can I use for payment on my student account?

WMU uses a third party credit card processor, Touchnet, to process credit and debit card payments. Touchnet accepts American Express, Discover network, and MasterCard credit and debit cards. A convenience fee of 2.75 percent or $3, whichever is larger is charged by Touchnet to process the transaction. Credit card payments on student accounts can only be made online. Touchnet does not accept Visa for credit or debit card payments.

Students login in at http://gowmu.wmich.edu using your Bronco NetID and password and select the Payment and Account Information channel using your Bronco NetID and password. Authorized users may make payments at https://wapps.wmich.edu/authuser .

Question: Where can I drop off payments on campus?

The Bronco Express (BEST) office is located on the ground floor in the Bernhard Center, room G09. You may make payments with checks or cash in person, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For your convenience there is a payment drop box located in the BEST office.

Question: Where do I mail my payment?

Payments with coupon:

Send your semester/session check and payment coupon in the envelope provided with the invoice. No credit or debit card payments are accepted by mail and must be made on the web.

Payments that are sent priority mail, overnight, or without a coupon:

Should not be sent to the address on the payment envelope. These payments should be sent with the Western Identification Number (WIN #) on the check or money order to:

WMU Cashiering Office, 1903 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5282

The address on the envelope is a post office box and therefore, unable to accept these deliveries. Please allow 5 days for mailing and processing. (See Miscellaneous Questions section for instructions on finding your WIN #)

Payments using more than one payment method:

Multiple payment methods should not be sent to the address on the payment envelope. These payments should be sent with the Western Identification Number (WIN #) on the check or money order to:

WMU Cashiering Office, 1903 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5282

Question: Can we make payments over the phone?

We do not take payments over the phone. You can make payments on line, by mail or in person.

Question: Does the University offer any payment plans?

Yes, WMU has a payment plan that features installment payments. The University payment plan allows you to spread the balance due over a certain number of installments. You can enroll in the plan to have the installments charged automatically to your checking or savings account, or installments must be made online by the due date if using a credit card. If you use a credit card, a convenience fee of 2.75% will be charged for each payment.

Question: How do I sign up for the payment plan?

You can sign up for the payment plan at http://gowmu.wmich.edu. Select the Payment and Account Information link, then the Payment Plan tab. The authorized users can sign up for the payment plan at https://wapps.wmich.edu/authuser.

Question: Can anyone sign up for the payment plan?

To sign up for the payment plan you must have a zero balance on prior semester charges. The charges you wish to use to enroll in the payment plan must be more than $500.00 and cannot include Campus Apartment rent or Children's Place charges.

Question: What does it cost to sign up for the payment plan?

A payment plan enrollment fee of $30.00 is due when you sign up for the payment plan. You can pay by electronic checking or savings, or a credit or debit card. All credit and debit card transactions are subject to the convenience fee of 2.75% or $3, whichever is larger. The enrollment plan fee will be processed immediately when signing up. The payment plan enrollment fee is non-refundable.

Question: If I choose the payment plan do I have to sign up again?

If you want to use the payment plan for another semester you must sign up again. The $30.00 payment plan fee is charged for each semester that you use the program.

Question: Will I be charged the enrollment fee for every installment payment that I make?

No, the enrollment fee is only charged when you enroll for the payment plan.

Question: Will I be charged the convenience fee for every installment payment that I make with a credit or debit card?

The convenience fee of 2.75% of the transaction will be charged anytime you use a debit or credit card for a payment installment.

Question: How does the payment plan work?

When you enroll for a payment plan your balance is divided into equal installment payments based on the date that you sign up for the payment plan. The sooner you enroll in the payment plan the more installments there may be available based on the term. Your balance will be divided into the number of installments available. The installments will be processed automatically on the due date of the plan for checking or savings account plans or, if using a debit or credit card, the user must make the payment on line and agree to the 2.75% convenience fee.

Question: How will Financial Aid affect the payment plan?

If you enrolled in a payment plan before your financial aid is applied to your student account, your financial aid will be applied to the next scheduled installment(s). Depending on the amount of financial aid and your student account balance, it may cover more than one of the scheduled installments. If you only want the University Payment Plan to cover the balance after financial aid, you will need to wait to enroll in a payment plan after the financial aid has applied to your student account. Please check your student account on the web to view payment information.

Question: How many payments will I make?

Based on the date that you enroll in the payment plan program you will make between 2 and 6 payments. The number of installments and the amount of each payment cannot be manually changed. However, any additional payments or charges that are added to your account will cause your monthly payments to be recalculated. You may make additional payment at any time.

Question: What is the amount of each payment and will the amount change?

When you enroll for the payment plan, you can see the number of installments, the amount of each installment payment, and the due dates. If you add charges or make payment to your student account, the amount of your installment payment will be adjusted accordingly.

Question: What will happen if I don't have sufficient funds in the bank account or on the credit or debit card to cover the payment?

You will have five days to pay your installment. If the payment is not received within the five days you will be assessed a late fee of 1.5% and removed from the payment plan.

Question: Can I sign up for the payment plan and mail my payment to WMU?

When a mailed payment (only checks are accepted by mail) is received, it will reduce any future installment payments.

Question: Can I change my method of payment (change the bank account or use a different credit or debit card)?

Yes, you can change your payment method. First you must have a new saved payment method. To add a new payment method, select My Profiles, then select Add New Payment Method. You may also change your payment method to a previously saved payment method listed in your Saved Payment Methods. To complete a change select Payment Plans. Your payment installments and current payment method will be displayed. Select the blue Change icon next to the Payment Method. From Change Payment Method select the desired payment method from the drop down list. After you have selected a new payment method, click Change, you will then need to click confirm. It will confirm the new payment method for your scheduled installments.

Question: Can I register for classes if I have payments remaining on my payment plan?

Yes, you may register for classes as long as your payment plan is current.

Question: Will I be charged service charges for the balance on my payment plan?

No, as long as the installments on your payment plan are current, you will not be charged service charges for the balance of your account.

Question: Are there any University charges that I cannot pay for using the payment plan?

Yes, Campus Apartment rent and Children's Place charges cannot be paid using the payment plan.

Question: Can I pay a specific charge?

Yes, any outstanding charges for Campus Apartment rent, Children’s Place or health center may be selected individually and the payment made will apply to the selected charges.

Question: Can I send multiple students' payments on one check?

Yes, as long as you include the Western Identification Number (WIN #) with the amount for each one and the payment is sent to the Cashiering office at: WMU-Cashiering Office, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5282. Semester/session payments sent with the coupon in the envelope provided should not include more than one student's payment per check. (See the Miscellaneous Questions section for instructions on finding your WIN #).

Question: Can I send a postdated check?

No, the check will be processed the day it is received and would be rejected by the bank. We do not hold postdated checks for processing later.

Convenience Fee Questions

Question: Why is WMU charging a fee for the use of my credit or debit card?

WMU is not charging a fee for credit or debit card use. That fee is being charged by a third-party credit card processor, TouchNet through PAYPATH. The entire amount of the fee will go to TouchNet to process the credit card transaction, and WMU will not see any revenue from the transaction. The University is committed to providing students and their families a range of options for paying their educational expenses. The credit card payment method is becoming prohibitively expensive because of the fees to WMU for credit card transaction processing. This expense in the past was paid by University tuition revenues and therefore reduced the tuition dollars available for academic programs and services for all students. Therefore, TouchNet was contracted to handle credit and debit card transactions, and that company charges a convenience fee in the amount of 2.75 percent of the student’s total bill or $3, whichever is larger. This will provide significant annual savings for the University.

Question: What credit cards are accepted for payment on the student account?

The third party credit card processor, Touchnet, accepts MasterCard, American Express and Discover network. Credit and debit card payments can only be made online. Visa is not accepted.

Question: Why doesn’t WMU accept Visa?

The third-party credit card processor contracted by WMU, TouchNet, charges a pro-rata convenience fee of 2.75 percent of the student's total bill or $3, whichever is larger. Visa only allows a flat fee but not a pro-rata convenience fee. Visa’s flat fee method would require the same flat fee charge regardless of the dollar amount of the transaction. The current pro-rata method allows TouchNet to recover its cost of doing business while those customers who choose to pay with a credit card share this expense at an equal rate. Visa’s method of charging a convenience fee would disadvantage many credit card customers.

Question: Can students use debit cards with their pin and avoid the fee?

No, the vendor processing online payments will process a debit card as a credit card and a fee will be assessed. You will be charged the 2.75 percent convenience fee. You can pay with your checking or savings account to avoid the convenience fee.

Question: Are other Universities charging a convenience fee for credit card transactions?

Yes. Credit card convenience fees are not unique to WMU. Many other schools such as Michigan State, Wayne State, Eastern Michigan, Saginaw Valley and Grand Valley currently charge convenience fees for credit card transactions.

Question: Why is the convenience fee 2.75 percent? How was that percentage established?

2.75 percent is the amount established by our third-party credit card processor, TouchNet, to cover the credit card transaction fees assessed by credit card companies. It is similar to that charged by other such vendors at other universities.

Question: Is there any way I can avoid paying a convenience fee?

You can avoid paying the 2.75 percent convenience fee by making an online electronic payment from checking or savings. You may also pay in person at Bronco Express using a check or cash, or by mailing a check. WMU also offers an installment plan, which for a $30 enrollment fee, spreads payments over a certain number of installments. You must enroll in the payment plan with a checking or savings account payment method to avoid the convenience fee.

Question: Can I make a credit or debit card payment over the phone?

Credit or debit card payments cannot be made over the phone or via mail. This is a security measure to ensure confidentiality of your payment information.

Question: Can I pay in person using a credit or debit card?

Credit or debit card payments cannot be made in person, but checks or cash are accepted at Bronco Express.

Question: Often I receive checks from my credit card company. Can I use the routing number and account number on these checks to make an electronic check (e-check) payment?

You may use such checks in person or by mail for paying on your student account, but you may not use them online for electronic transfers. The credit card companies will not honor checks used electronically. The payment will be returned as “account not found". Mailed payments to the address below. Always include your Western ID number on the check. Send payments to:

WMU Cashiering Office, 1903 West Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5282

Question: If I make a credit or debit card payment in error will my convenience fee be refunded?

No. The convenience fee is not refundable, even if the payment to which it relates is cancelled, refunded, credited or charged back.

Question: Will the convenience fee that I am charged be included on my student account breakdown and statement?

No. The convenience fee is a fee assessed by a third-party company, TouchNet, in addition to the payment for on-campus students. The convenience fee will not appear on your student account or on your statement. You will receive a receipt, showing the amount applied to your student account and the convenience fee.

Question: How will this appear on my credit or debit card statement?

Two separate transactions will appear on your statement--one transaction for the student account payment and one transaction for the convenience fee.

Authorized User Questions

Question: How do I grant access to my parent to view my account?

Using your Bronco NetID and password students can grant access to parents or others at http://gowmu.wmich.edu.

Click on the "Add Authorized Users" tab.

Click Add Authorized User at the bottom of the page, then enter the email address of the person you have chosen to be an Authorized User.

Indicate a Yes or No to each area you wish to allow or not allow access for this user.

Click Continue button.

Read the agreement, and then check "I Agree". Then click Continue

Question: How will my parent or authorized user know they have access to my information?

The authorized user will receive an email message from WMU-Billing@wmich.edu informing them they have been granted access to your account and given the web address. A separate email will be sent with a temporary password.

Question: What is the web address for parents/authorized users to access student accounts?

https://wapps.wmich.edu/authuser .

Question: What if my parent or authorized user forgets their password?

They can go to the site, https://wapps.wmich.edu/authuser , and have the password emailed to them.

Question: How can the authorized user's email address be changed?

The student will need to sign in using their Bronco NetID and password through GoWMU. The student will need to select the Payment and Account Information channel, then click on the “Authorized User" tab and select the authorized user to be deleted. You can then add an authorized user with the new email address.

Question: Will my parent or authorized user receive an email when a new tuition invoice or statement is available?

Your parent or authorized user will receive an email from WMU-Billing@wmich.edu when a new tuition invoice or monthly statement is available.

Refund Questions

Question: How often are Financial Aid credit balances refunded?

Financial Aid refunds are processed regularly. Most Financial Aid payments greater than your account balance will be refunded to you. Students can sign up for electronic refunds (eRefunds) and the refund will be deposited into a checking or savings account. A refund check will be mailed to the student if the student is not signed up for electronic refunds. A refund check will be made to the parent if it was created from a PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) payment and the parent borrower requested the refund.

If a student has received financial aid and adjusts their schedule during the drop/add period refunds for tuition and fees may need to be adjusted. Financial Aid payments made before the adjustments may need to be charged back to the student account.

Question: How often are other credit balances refunded?

Refunds are processed regularly. However, during the first two weeks of each semester/session all overpayments and credit balances will be refunded after the drop/add period. eRefunds are processed more frequently than checks.

Refunds can either be:

Directly deposited to a personal bank account or mailed to you. If you have signed up for electronic refunds on line, your refund will be deposited into your checking or savings account. After the refund is posted to the student account, please allow 3-5 business days for a refund to be processed.
If you have not signed up for electronic refunds, a refund check will be mailed to your local address.

Question: How do I enroll for electronic refunds?

Signing up for electronic refunds (eRefunds) will allow the student account refunds to be deposited directly into your checking or saving account.

Sign up on line at gowmu.wmich.edu. Under the Student Home tab, Select Payment and Account Information. Select My Profiles and then Payment Profiles. Then Add or Select the Refund Payment Method.

If your parent is a PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) borrower and has requested the excess funds be refunded to them, they will receive a refund check.

Question: Who do I contact if I lost a refund check or did not receive a mailed refund check?

Stop in or call Bronco Express. The Bronco Express (BEST) office is located on the ground floor in the Bernhard Center, room G09. You can contact them via phone at (269) 387-6000.

Miscellaneous Questions

Question: How do I find my Western Identification Number (WIN #)?

Using your Bronco NetID and password your WIN # may be obtained at http://gowmu.wmich.edu. Select the Payment and Account Information channel, then under "My Account" select the "My Profiles" tab.

Question: What is a HOLD and how do I remove one from my student account?

Holds are placed on student accounts when University charges have not been paid. A hold will prevent registration for classes, release of a transcript or diploma. To remove the hold from your student account you must pay the amount due. Please direct inquires to the number associated with the hold.

Question: How do I get the A1 (Payment Agreement Required) hold released?

To release an A1 (Payment Agreement Required) hold, you will need to complete the Payment Agreement prior to the online registration process. You may only complete the form when the registration for the semester is open to you, and it is your active time to register.

From GoWMU self services Student Home tab, select Registration, then Course Registration, then select the active Term you wish to register for. The Payment Agreement form will automatically be available for you to read, complete and then e-sign. There can be no other active registration holds on your account and it must be your time to register. Once the form is completed, you may continue with the registration process.

Question: How can I obtain my 1098-T form?

A 1098-T form will be mailed to the student's home or billing address in late January. The 1098-T information is also available at http://www.1098-t.com/ .

TOP

Frequently Asked Questions:

Billing Questions

Authorized User Questions

Payment Questions

Refund Questions

Convenience Fee Questions

Miscellaneous Questions

Billing Questions

Question: What are the rates for tuition and fees?

Question: When will I receive a semester Tuition and Fees and Residence Hall invoice?

Question: What address will my semester Tuition Fees and Residence Hall invoice be mailed to?

Question: Will I receive a new tuition invoice if I drop, add, or register after the initial billing date?

Question: What happens if I lose my semester Tuition Fees and Residence Hall invoice?

Question: How do I obtain my most recent monthly statement?

Question: What happens if I don't pay my account balance on time?

Questions: How do I change my address?

Question: What do I need to do if my employer, sponsor or some other agency is paying my tuition?

Payment Questions

Question: What methods of payment does the University accept?

Question: What credit or debit cards can I use for payment on my student account?

Question: Where can I drop off payments on campus?

Question: Where do I mail my payment?

Question: Can we make payments over the phone?

Question: Does the University offer any payment plans?

Question: How do I sign up for the payment plan?

Question: Can anyone sign up for the payment plan?

Question: What does it cost to sign up for the payment plan?

Question: If I choose the payment plan do I have to sign up again?

Question: Will I be charged the enrollment fee for every installment payment that I make?

Question: Will I be charged the convenience fee for every installment payment that I make with a credit or debit card?

Question: How does the payment plan work?

Question: How will Financial Aid affect the payment plan?

Question: How many payments will I make?

Question: What is the amount of each payment and will the amount change?

Question: What will happen if I don't have sufficient funds in the bank account or on the credit or debit card to cover the payment?

Question: Can I sign up for the payment plan and mail my payment to WMU?

Question: Can I change my method of payment (change the bank account or use a different credit or debit card)?

Question: Can I register for classes if I have payments remaining on my payment plan?

Question: Will I be charged service charges for the balance on my payment plan?

Question: Are there any University charges that I cannot pay for using the payment plan?

Question: Can I pay a specific charge?

Question: Can I send multiple students' payments on one check?

Question: Can I send a postdated check?

Convenience Fee Questions

Question: Why is WMU charging a fee for the use of my credit or debit card?

Question: What credit cards are accepted for payment on the student account?

Question: Why doesn’t WMU accept Visa?

Question: Can students use debit cards with their pin and avoid the fee?

Question: Are other Universities charging a convenience fee for credit card transactions?

Question: Why is the convenience fee 2.75 percent? How was that percentage established?

Question: Is there any way I can avoid paying a convenience fee?

Question: Can I make a credit or debit card payment over the phone?

Question: Can I pay in person using a credit or debit card?

Question: Often I receive checks from my credit card company. Can I use the routing number and account number on these checks to make an electronic check (e-check) payment?

Question: If I make a credit or debit card payment in error will my convenience fee be refunded?

Question: Will the convenience fee that I am charged be included on my student account breakdown and statement?

Question: How will this appear on my credit or debit card statement?

Authorized User Questions

Question: How do I grant access to my parent to view my account?

Question: How will my parent or authorized user know they have access to my information?

Question: What is the web address for parents/authorized users to access student accounts?

Question: What if my parent or authorized user forgets their password?

Question: How can the authorized user's email address be changed?

Question: Will my parent or authorized user receive an email when a new tuition invoice or statement is available?

Refund Questions

Question: How often are Financial Aid credit balances refunded?

Question: How often are other credit balances refunded?

Question: How do I enroll for electronic refunds?

Question: Who do I contact if I lost a refund check or did not receive a mailed refund check?

Miscellaneous Questions

Question: How do I find my Western Identification Number (WIN #)?

Question: What is a HOLD and how do I remove one from my student account?

Question: How do I get the A1 (Payment Agreement Required) hold released?

Question: How can I obtain my 1098-T form?