BGSU changing charge card policy

Beginning July 1, the BGSU bursar will only accept MasterCard and Discover credit card payments over the Web or when using the toll free number 1-866-364-4176. A convenience fee of 2.5 percent will be charged to the bill payer. The change, according to officials, is a cost-saving measure for the University.

Students and parents still may make payments to bursar accounts using an electronic check on a designated Web site, or payments in person via check or cash. Students and families may also use various credit card companies' convenience checks.

The new practice in the Bursar's Office on the main campus and at BGSU Firelands does not affect other campus offices, such as the College of Musical Arts box office, the Athletic Department ticket office or the University Bookstore.

The change in the Bursar's Office is being made to eliminate approximately $700,000 in merchant fees currently being charged to the University. With the current budget situation, the merchant fee was no longer a cost the University could continue to absorb, according to Dr. Christopher Dalton, senior vice president for finance and administration.

Bowling Green's move is part of a trend being seen at campuses across the state. Other institutions that have implemented convenience fees for credit card use include the University of Toledo, Cleveland State, Miami and Ohio universities.

Ohio State University has not accepted payments by credit card for tuition and fees for many years.

Students who wish to use a MasterCard or Discover Card to pay their bursar bill over the Web will be charged a convenience fee of 2.5 percent by Sallie Mae Solutions, which has been hired to handle the credit transaction. The University will receive full payment of the bill; the convenience fee for handling will be retained by Sallie Mae.

"VISA is not included because the credit card company does not allow convenience fees to be calculated and charged as a percentage of the total bill," Gaylyn Finn, University treasurer and associate vice president for finance, said. "Should VISA change that policy in the future, they could be added to the program."