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Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What functions does the Student Accounts Office Handle?
How can I contact the Student Accounts Office?
What is the New England Regional Program?
How do I appeal to receive In-State Tuition?
Why are the fees higher than the tuition at BSU?
How do I know if a course is considered an evening course?
How do I drop or withdraw from a course?
How do I withdraw from the University?
What is a 1098-T?
How do I change my address?
How do I request a transcript?
What does it mean to have a hold on my account?
My printing account has been frozen. What do I need to do?
GENERAL BILLING QUESTIONS
What is eBilling?
What forms of payment does BSU accept?
How can I make a payment on my bill?
When will I receive my first bill of each semester?
How can I get a copy of my bill for tuition reimbursement?
Does Bridgewater offer a payment plan?
I am enrolled in the BSU Payment Plan, why do I keep receiving a bill?
Does taking an evening course cost more?
Can I use more than one option to pay my bill?
EXPLANATION OF CHARGES
How much does it cost to take a course a BSU?
What is the orientation fee?
What is the meal plan charge and how do I change my meal plan option?
How do I receive my parking decal?
What should I do if I do not need the Health Insurance through
the University?
What is the charge for a returned check (NSF, closed account, etc.)?
What is the BSU Flight Course Fee?
What is the Music Lab Fee?
What is the Student Support Fee?
What is the Comp Lab Paper Usage Fee?
What is the Art Supply Fee?
What is the Dorm Damage charge?
What is the Lost ID Fee?
What is the Software Fee?
What is the ResNet Fee?
HOW FINANCIAL AID AND LOANS EFFECT MY BILL
Can I deduct the Federal Work Study from my balance due on my bill?
When will financial aid be disbursed and a refund check generated to me?
Can I receive book vouchers if I have excess financial aid?
Can I receive an advance on my financial aid?
Can I use my financial aid to purchase my laptop?
What is a Federal Authorization Form (Title IV)?
Why hasn't my Federal Direct Loan been applied to my account?
FLEX DOLLAR QUESTIONS
What are Flex Dollars and how can I purchase them?
What is the Connect Card?
What should I do if my Connect Card is lost or stolen?
DEDUCTIONS ON MY BILL
What is a Tuition Remission Waiver Form?
I submitted a Tuition Remission Waiver Form, why hasn't my account been adjusted?
What are examples of 3rd Party Billing?
I submitted paper work for a 3rd Party to be billed. Why is there still a balance on my account?
What should I do if I will be receiving an outside scholarship?
I will not be parking a vehicle on campus, how do I have the charge removed from my bill?
Can I deduct the health insurance charge on my bill if I will be completing the on-line waiver?
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What functions does the Student Accounts Office handle?
The Student Accounts Office handles:
How can I contact the Student Accounts Office?
The Student Accounts Office is open all year. The office is located on the Main Floor in Boyden Hall, Room 107.
Tel:
Fax:
E-mail:
What is the New England Regional Program?
The New England Regional Program (NERP) is a consortium agreement between the six New England States. If you qualify, you may receive a reduction in your out-of-state tuition rate. The NERP rate is 50% above the in-state tuition rate. In addition to being a resident of one of the six New England States, you must be matriculated into a qualified program. Contact the Admissions Office to find out if you are eligible.
How do I appeal to receive In-State Tuition?
Please review the Residency Rules and Regulations to see if you may qualify for In-State Classification for Tuition Purposes.
Please print the Petition for In-State Classification for Tuition Purposes and return the completed form to the following address:
Comptroller
Boyden Hall, Room 109
131 Summer Street
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater MA 02325
Why are the fees higher than the tuition at BSU?
Bridgewater State University is a state supported institution. The tuition
collected is sent to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The fees are used to
help support and operate the University.
How do I know if a course is considered an evening course?
Attributes are listed along with course information on InfoBear. Day
Rate or Evening Rate will be indicated under "Attributes" when viewing section
information for each course. In general, any course that begins at 4:00 pm or after is considered an evening course.
However, Web-Hybrid courses, typically those with an X or Y section, are
considered day.
How do I drop or withdraw from a course?
If you are registered for a course(s) and do not plan on attending you are responsible for notifying the Registrar's Office. Absence from class does not constitute an official withdrawal. You will be responsible for all charges if you fail to comply with the withdrawal policy. During the
University's drop/add period which begins on the first day of the semester; you must officially drop the course(s) via the web or in writing by completing a Drop/Add Form and returning it to the Registrar's Office prior to the deadlines. Please click here to see the Refund Policy. Students may withdraw from a course(s) following the drop/add period if they submit a Course Withdrawal Form to the Registrar's Office by the published deadline with all required signatures
Please note that the official date of withdrawal is the date the form is received by the Registrar's Office.
How do I withdraw from the University?
Undergraduate students may obtain forms for official withdrawal from the
University from the Academic Achievement Center located in the Maxwell Library. Please note that the official withdrawal date is the date the written notice is received by the Academic Achievement Center. Should you leave the
University without giving official notification; failing grades may be recorded, you will remain responsible for all charges, and the withdrawal will not be effective until the last day of the semester.
What is a 1098-T?
The 1098-T is a statement issued to the IRS and students at the beginning of each year. This form may be used by federal tax filers to determine eligibility for the Hope and Lifetime tax credits. Receipt of a 1098-T form does not mean you are eligible for tax credits. This form is only a statement summary it is not tax advice. The 1098-T is based on charges for the calendar year. The amounts reflect when the charges were billed not when they were paid. Tax Credit Information
How do I change my address?
Please visit the Registrar's Office Boyden Hall, Room 003 or click here to print the BSU Address and Telephone Number Change Form and mail it to:
Registrar's Office
Boyden Hall, Room 003
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater MA 02325
How do I request a transcript?
All transcript requests must be in writing and signed by the student, and accompanied by a check or money order.
The cost of a mailed transcript is $5.00 per copy. A student may visit the Registrar's Office to receive an on-the-spot transcript
at a cost of $10 per copy.
What does it mean to have a hold on my account?
Holds are placed on a student account when there is an outstanding balance by the Student Accounts Office.
You can have a registration and transcript hold or just a hold on your
transcripts. Students who are not registered for the current semester will have a hold placed on their registration and transcripts for any outstanding balance on their account. You may also have a hold placed on your account by Health Services and the Library.
My printing account has been frozen. What do I need to do?
Each student is allowed $25.00 for printing a semester. Once you reach the limit you will need to go to the Moakley Support Counter to fill out a PAS authorization form. The charge will then be forwarded to the Student Accounts Office at the end of each semester and it will appear on your next bill. PAS Form.
GENERAL BILLING QUESTIONS
What is eBilling?
eBilling enables you to view your bill and make payments on your student account any time from any location. For more information
please refer to our eBill page, to log in now please visit the BSU Student Account Suite.
What forms of payment does BSU accept?
BSU accepts cash, checks, money orders, bank checks, debit cards, MasterCard,
and Visa. Payments should be made payable to Bridgewater State University and should have the Banner ID on all payments. BSU Student Account Suite accepts Visa, MasterCard, or personal checks through ACH.
How can I make a payment on my bill?
You can make a credit card payment or electronic payment from your personal checking account online at anytime through the BSU Student Account Suite. Call our office at 508-531-1225 to make a credit card payment over the phone or visit our office on the Main Floor in Boyden Hall to make a payment with cash, check, money order, bank check, debit card, MasterCard, or Visa. Please note that a Photo ID is required when paying with a credit card in person. You may also place a check, money order, or bank check in the drop box located outside our office. Please make sure your Banner ID is on your payment. Mail in a check, money order, or bank check to the following address:
Student Accounts Office - Box 1
Bridgewater State University
131 Summer Street
Bridgewater MA 02325-0002
When will I receive my first bill of each semester?
You will receive an e-mail notification at your BSU e-mail account when your billing statement is ready to be viewed on the BSU Student Account Suite. Please make sure you have claimed your BSU e-mail account. If you do not have a BSU e-mail account, please click here to claim your BSU User Account. You will receive your first bill of each semester:
Fall semester bill in July
Spring semester bill in December
Summer semester bill in May
How can I get a copy of my bill for tuition reimbursement?
You can view and print a copy of your current or past statement(s) through the BSU Student Account Suite.
Does the University offer a payment plan?
Yes. Bridgewater State University offers a web
based, interest free, internal Student Payment Plan. This plan will assist
students and their families to budget the semester charges over the course of
the semester. To find out more information regarding the BSU Payment Plan please
visit:
http://www.bridgew.edu/paymentplan.
I am enrolled in the BSU Payment Plan, why do I keep receiving ebills?
eBills are sent monthly throughout the year. It is important to review your ebill for any additional charges or adjustments. Your
monthly payments will be reflected once they are paid.
Does taking an evening course cost more?
Students enrolled in an evening undergraduate course will be charged all tuition and fees associated with the cost to provide the evening programs. As a result, full-time undergraduate day students that enroll in an evening course may incur additional charges. There is an appeal process to waiver additional evening course charges.
Please visit:
http://www.bridgew.edu/EnrollmentServices/student_res_spec.cfm
Can I use more than one option to pay my bill?
Yes. You can pay your bill in full, use a monthly payment plan, or Financial Aid. You can also use any combination of all the options to pay your bill.
EXPLANATION OF CHARGES
How much does it cost to take a course a BSU?
You are charged tuition, fees, and software per credit hour. Please refer to our Cost of Attending Page.
What is the orientation fee?
The orientation charge is the cost to attend the mandatory orientation session for New Freshman and Transfer students. It will appear on the first semester bill and it is a non-refundable charge even if you withdraw from the
University before classes begin.
1st Time Fall Semester Freshman is charged $160.00
1st Time Spring Semester Freshman is charged $80.00
1st Time Transfer Student is charged $80.00
What is the meal plan charge and how do I change my meal plan option?
Meal plans are mandatory for resident students (except Great Hill Apartment
Residents) and are refundable in accordance with the University refund policy. The deadline to change your meal plan selection is 5 days from the official first day of classes and must be in writing or online (only one change per semester). To complete the Meal Plan Options Form online or for more detailed information about the meal plan and dining options as well as the refund policy, please click here for more information Meal Plans.
How do I receive my parking decal?
To receive a parking decal, you must complete an online parking permit
application through MyParking. Please visit:
www.bridgew.edu/pscc to log into
MyParking. You will be automatically billed for your parking decal once you have
applied online. Please view your recent account activity on the BSU
Student Account Suite to view your charge. The decal cost for part-time
students taking 8 or fewer credits is $80.00 for the year. The cost for
full-time students taking 9 or more credits is $195.00 for the year. Please check with the Parking Services and Connect Card
Office for more information.
What should I do if I do not need the Health Insurance through the
University?
All undergraduate students registered for 9 credits or more or graduate
students registered for 7 credits or more must provide proof of enrollment in a
qualified medical insurance plan that meets the Commonwealth mandated
guidelines. To waive or enroll in the University plan please click here to visit the University Health Plan Inc. website or visit Health Services for more information. Please make sure you meet the deadlines posted to waive the health insurance. Please visit the Student Accounts page for important deadlines.
What is the charge for a returned check (NSF, closed account, etc.)?
The University will assess a $25.00 fee for any check that is returned not honored by a bank. Such fee, when assessed, must be paid along with any unpaid tuition with a money order, bank check, or credit card.
What is the BSU Flight Course Fee?
The BSU Flight Course Fee is the amount it costs to take flight training at the BSU Aviation Training Center at New Bedford Regional Airport. Students must register for a flight course and then satisfy the student bill either by paying out of pocket or using financial aid. Once the bill is satisfied the price of the aviation course will be posted to the Student Connect card as Aviation points. Students must clear their entire bill through the Student Accounts Office before any funds are applied to the Connect Card Aviation balance. All financial aid must be approved or certified to qualify for flight clearance.
What is the Music Lab Fee?
The Music Lab Fee costs $300.00. It is the additional cost to receive 14 one-hour private lessons for 1.0 credit
What is the Student Support Fee?
The Student Support Fee sponsors organizations, activities and projects on campus. It is a mandatory fee for all undergraduate students. The fee is $25.00 for students taking less than 12 credits per semester, and $50.00 for students taking 12 credits or more per semester.
What is the Comp lab Paper Usage Fee?
The Comp Lab Paper Usage Fee is the amount of printing charges that you have incurred each semester over the $25.00 amount that is allowed each student.
What is the Art Supply Fee?
The Art Supply Fee is the cost of supplies needed for certain art courses.
What is the Dorm Damage charge?
Dorm Damage is billed to the student's account throughout the semester. Billing occurs when damage, lack of cleanliness, and/or vandalism occurs in the residence halls or apartments. There are two types of dorm damage billing: Individual Billing occurs when there are one or more specific individuals that have been found responsible for damage in a student room or common area. Community Billing occurs when no individuals can be found responsible for damages in a common area so the costs are equally pro-rated among the residents. For more information please visit the Residence Life & Housing Office.
What is the Lost ID Fee?
There is a $25.00 fee for replacement of Connect Cards. If your card is stolen you must file a police report prior to going to the Parking Services and Connect Card Office and provide a copy of the police report to avoid being charged the fee.
What is the Software Fee?
All students are charged $1.25 per credit and maximum of $15.00 per semester for the Software fee. This provides students with a bundle of software including Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Office 2003 which includes Word, Excel, Power-Point, Access, Publisher, Outlook, and InfoPath. Please click here for Software Download.
What is the ResNet Fee?
The ResNet program provides on-campus residents with internet, telephone and cable television service. The $160.00 fee for these services is automatically applied to your student account each semester. For more information please click here ResNet.
HOW FINANCIAL AID AND LOANS EFFECT MY BILL
Can I deduct the Federal Work Study from my balance due on my bill?
No. These funds are earned as you work hours and you will receive a paycheck through the Student Employment Office.
When will financial aid be disbursed and a refund check generated to me?
The first disbursement of Financial Aid is generally mid-October during the fall semester, and
mid-February during the spring semester. Due to inclement weather and the
extension of the refund period, we anticipate the first disbursement of Spring
2013 Financial Aid to become available the first week of March. All
students will receive an email notification when their aid is available. Refunds are then available the week
following disbursement. Please note that disbursements continue throughout the
semester and that not all aid may disburse with the first cycle. Students may enroll on-line through the BSU Student Account Suite to have their student refunds directly deposited into their checking account. Please refer to the eRefund Page for instruction on how to enroll.
All refund checks will be mailed out to the student's permanent address unless
there is a mailing address on file such as a PO Box one week after the date of
issue.
Can I receive book vouchers if I have excess financial aid?
If you are expecting excess Financial Aid, you may come into the Student Accounts Office
prior to the start of classes and receive up to $500.00 in Flex Points applied to your Connect Card to be used at the Bookstore. All aid must be showing as accepted on your award screen with the Financial Aid Office in order to be counted in the calculations to verify if there is excess aid on your account.
Can I receive an advance on my financial aid?
You can receive an advance up to $500.00 on any expected excess Financial Aid after the first week of classes
is complete. If a larger amount is needed for rent, laptop, car repairs, or other living expenses; documentation must be provided in order to request an advance on your financial aid refund check. All aid must be showing as accepted on your award screen with the Financial Aid Office in order to be counted in the calculations to verify if there is excess aid on your account.
To request an advance,
please send an email
from your BSU email account to sao@bridgew.edu.
Please be sure to include your Banner ID as well as the dollar amount you are
requesting.
Can I use my financial aid to purchase my laptop?
You can receive an advance on your excess Financial Aid after the first week of classes. To request an advance, please send an email from
your BSU email account to sao@bridgew.edu.
lease be sure to include your Banner ID as well as the dollar amount you are
requesting. You must provide a receipt showing the cost in order to request an advance on your financial aid refund check larger than $500.00. All aid must be showing as accepted on your award screen with the Financial Aid Office in order to be counted in the calculations to verify if there is excess aid on your account. Please click here for more information on the Notebook Computer Program.
What is a Federal Authorization Form (Title IV)?
If you have Federal Financial Aid such as Federal Direct Loans, Perkins Loan, Pell Grant, SEOG, Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant, and the Federal Smart Grant; the
University is required to obtain your authorization to pay non-institutional charges. Examples of non-institutional charges would be Flex Dollars, Computer Lab Paper Usage Fees, Dorm Damage, Returned Check Fee, Flight Fees and Health Insurance. Please click here to print the
Title IV Authorization Form and return the completed form to the Financial Aid Office.
Why hasn't my Federal Direct Loan been applied to my account?
You must complete a Direct Loan master promissory note and Direct Loan entrance counseling form in order for the loan to be applied to your account. For more information please visit the Financial Aid Office.
FLEX DOLLAR QUESTIONS
What are Flex Dollars and how can I purchase them?
Students may purchase Flex Dollars that can be used at various locations on Campus such as the BSU Bookstore, and at many Off-Campus Merchants. Flex Dollars work dollar for dollar, and are credited to your Connect Card. You may purchase Flex Dollars by using the Online Card Office with a credit card. You can use the Cash to Card Machines for quick and easy Flex Dollar purchases. The machines are located in the Rondileau Campus Center, East Campus Commons, and Maxwell Library. For more information please visit the Parking Services & Connect Card Office. You may also purchase Flex Dollars at the Student Accounts Office:
- In person using cash, check, credit card, or by completing a Flex Dollar Purchase Form authorizing excess aid on their student account from Financial Aid to be transferred to their Connect Card.
- By mailing in a check with the Flex Dollar Purchase Form or calling over the phone with a MasterCard or Visa.
What is the Connect card?
The Connect Card is the official Bridgewater State University identification card. The Connect Card can be used for building access, meal ticket, library privileges, and as a debit card. As a debit card, the funds may be used on campus at all dining areas, the bookstore, vending machines, laundry machines, public copiers, to purchase stamps at the mail room, to purchase a gym membership at the Thornburg Fitness Center, and also may be used at many Off-Campus Merchants. For more information please visit the Parking Services & Connect Card Office.
What should I do if my Connect Card is lost or stolen?
You should contact the Parking Services & Connect Card Office immediately at 508-531-2897 or email connectcard@bridgew.edu. After normal office hours contact the BSU Police Department at 508-531-1212. You can also use the Online Card Office to freeze your account. There is a $25.00 fee for the replacement of Connect Cards.
DEDUCTIONS ON MY BILL
What is a Tuition Remission Form?
A Tuition Remission Form is used for a discount on tuition. It covers 100% State- Supported Day Tuition and 50% Non-State-Supported Tuition. Some examples of Tuition Remission forms are Higher Education, State Employee, Mass. Rehab., and Veteran. You need to provide a form for each semester. Please check with your Human Resource Department to see if you are eligible. State employees can also check the Tuition Remission Guidelines to see if you are eligible or click here to download the Tuition Remission Certificate. Please visit the Veterans Benefits Page for more information regarding programs and eligibility requirements. You should deduct the appropriate amount of
tuition when paying your bill and forward the original form to the Student Accounts Office. Please see the Tuition / Fee Waiver Information Page.
I submitted a tuition remission waiver, why hasn't my account been adjusted?
All tuition waivers and adjustments are not processed until after the refund
period is complete. Please click here to see the Refund Policy Dates.
What are examples of 3rd Party Billing?
Some examples of 3rd Party Billing are Verizon, Coast Guard, Army, Navy, and Dept. of Children & Family. You should send a letter of intent to the Student Accounts Office.
I submitted paper work for a 3rd Party to be billed. Why is there still a balance on my account?
All 3rd Party billing is done after the refund policy. Please click here to see the Refund Policy Dates. It may take several weeks for the
University to receive payment from these agencies.
What should I do if I will be receiving an outside scholarship?
You should send a copy of your scholarship award letter to the Financial Aid Office and the Student Accounts Office. The scholarship check should be sent to the Student Accounts Office so that it can be applied to your account and should be made payable to Bridgewater State
University.
Can I deduct the health insurance charge on my bill if I will be completing the on-line waiver?
Yes. You can deduct the health insurance charge from your bill when making payment. Please make sure you complete the online waiver by the deadline or you will remain responsible for this charge. University Health Plan Inc.
If you have any additional questions not listed here please send an email to the Student Accounts Office or call us at 508-531-1225.
Last Modified: February 19, 2013
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