UW Done With HigherOne, Enters Agreement With TouchNet

The University of Wyoming’s new agreement with TouchNet Information Systems Inc. will improve billing, payments, credit balance refunding and other student and parent financial services, according to a release from the university.

UW recently ended its long-standing contract with HigherOne and CashNet services, and the TouchNet system will be operational later this spring.

The conversion will bring changes to how students receive their credit balance refunds for things like excess financial aid and scholarships, and tuition refunds. Students will have the ability to opt into having refunds directly deposited into an existing bank account, the university’s preferred method. Refund by check also will be an option.

Students still are able to use the “Cowboy Cards,” but should be aware that the two HigherOne ATMs on campus will be removed in July. All students who previously have made refund preferences via HigherOne will be required to set up their new refunding preference with the TouchNet interface.

TouchNet will provide students, parents and authorized payers with additional online tuition and fee payment methods. In addition to Visa and MasterCard, payers are now able to use Discover and American Express.

Effective July 1, there will be a 2.75 percent convenience fee for using a credit card to pay student account balances. This fee does not apply to University Store purchases, athletic tickets, Bison Run Apartments or other retail purchases.

However, for those seeking a free electronic payment method, UW now will offer a secure e-Check option that debits funds directly from a checking or savings account. The Cashier’s Office still will be open to take cash and check payments over the counter. Students also will be able to enroll in an enhanced payment plan that will extend the payment deadline further into the semester.

Departmental storefronts across campus will be redesigned with TouchNet’s MarketPlace functionality.

“The new e-market sites will provide departments with a more robust solution for conference registrations, events and other items being sold via a storefront,” says Aaron Courtney, Financial Services assistant manager. “The Business Office will contact departments to discuss the process and help facilitate training options.”

For more information, email Courtney at courtne@uwyo.edu or visit the website at www.uwyo.edu/fsbo.