News

Effective April 6, 2009, the Cashier's Office will no longer be able to accept cash/check payments for student bills directly in the Harris Hall office.

All students will be required to pay their bills online through the MyPack Portal ePAY or by sending their payments through the mail to our bank lockbox.

As you are probably aware, the developing budget shortfall for the State of North Carolina will result in reduced funding for both the University System and NC State University. This loss of funding is serious, and likely to get worse for the foreseeable future. As part of his plan to address this situation, the Chancellor has tasked all University departments to find ways to deliver services more effectively, and at a lower cost. In response to this challenge, the Cashier’s Office will make a major change to the way we operate.

How will this change reduce costs? Payment of bills directly in the Cashier's Office costs 10 times more to process than electronic payments or payments paid through the lockbox. In 2008, nearly 77% of our students paid either electronically or by mail to our lockbox. Now, we are asking the rest of our students to pay the same way. We believe you will find it is actually a better alternative.

Since students have easier, more convenient alternatives, maintaining the high-cost payment alternative is no longer in the best interests of the University, or the students, since the money saved will prevent the Cashier's Office or other segments of the University from having to reduce services that are more critical to our students. We surveyed several hundred students who made payments directly at the office. The vast majority of those students indicated they made payments in the office for convenience, they did not know about electronic payments, etc., but there were no reasons that would actually preclude these students from paying online or sending their payment by mail. During this transition, we pledge to work with individual students in the event of extraordinary circumstances. However, it is clear that we must all adjust to the new economic realities and use fewer resources than in the past.

Over the years, the Cashier's Office has made many changes to improve service to the students and parents we serve. Where did we come up with these ideas? Mostly by listening to students, parents, and seeing what services our peer institutions offer to their students. Our goal remains to continue to provide efficient customer-oriented service on the leading edge of universities around the country.

Our web-based systems allow:

• Online access to student accounts;
• Real-time posting of transactions;
• View 1098-T online;
• Online sign up for direct deposit;
• Online bill payment with a secure, no-fee electronic check or by credit card for a 2% fee;
• Electronic billing;
• Ask questions and have them answered by email;
• Web-based tutorials for common transactions

These features allow students to conduct practically all their business online without having to come to the office. With the electronic tools available, most students need only come to the office to speak with our Customer Service Representatives about more complex questions or issues.

We ask your support and help in making this transition. If you have specific questions or comments, or suggestions for additional services or cost savings, please contact us: