From: Cindy Shelton (sheltonck@appstate.edu)
Date: Mon Dec 02 2002 - 17:00:05 EST
Doug,
At Appalachian State University in Boone, NC (12,500 students), we did switch
from an external plan to an internal plan. Our student population and their
parents expect to be treated like family and using an outside agency created
issues for us. There wasn't that one on one communication when the third party
was involved. While the revenue generated does pay the salary of someone to
handle the plan, I certainly don't think we are making a profit.
Our plan is mostly a manual process. We mail a contract and payment coupons to
the parent when a plan is requested. When the signed contract is returned, a
deferment is keyed onto the student's account similar to our financial aid
deferments. Payments are posted as normal payments would be. We do not mail
out monthly statements.
We did try automatic ACH checking account deductions; but, we had trouble
collecting a couple that were bad. Our state Attorney General's Office said we
could not treat those returned drafts the same as a bad check. I still don't
understand why; but, I stopped offering that option altogether because of the
collection issue.
I hope this helps. If you need any additional information, just let me know.
Cindy Shelton
Director of Student Accounts
(828) 262-6420
"C. Douglas Schantz" wrote:
> Hope this email finds everyone getting a jump..or just catching up... on
> their Christmas shopping...
>
> I have just a few quick questions. If any of you in Bursarland would be so
> kind as to respond I would be ever so grateful.
>
> -Has anyone gone from an external payment plan to internal for revenue or
> other reasons?? How was the transition for you and students? Was the
> revenue worth it?
>
> -What type of program/software do you use to manage your payment plan?
>
> -Does anyone use Datatel's Payment Plan software provided with Colleague?
> If so, do you use it successfully??
>
> -Anyone use or mandate automatic ACH deduction for their internal payment
> plans?
>
> Ok.. that's it for now... If anyone wants to give me detailed insight about
> the good, the bad, and the ugly on internal payment plans.. just drop me a
> line...
>
> Have a good holiday season and thanks in advance for any replies!!!
>
> Doug Schantz(long-time external payment planner... but willing to change!!)
> Wittenberg University
>
> ___________________________________________________________
>
> C. Douglas Schantz
> http://www4.wittenberg.edu/administration/student_accounts/
> Office of Student Accounts, Wittenberg University
> P.O. Box 720 Springfield, OH 45501-0720
> E-mail: dschantz@wittenberg.edu
> Datatel's Colleague Release 17
> http://www.wittenberg.edu
> Phone: (937) 327-6146
> FAX : (937) 327-7023
> _______________________GO TIGERS!!!!________________________
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