While school has now started at UTM and most students are broke by having to pay tuition costs, books and supplies, this is not the case for all as approximately $7 million dollars will be refunded to students by both distributing checks and e-refunds this year according to Information Technology Services.

Although this number is high and all students would like to get a piece of it, this year’s refund amount is lower than last year’s, which was approximately $8 million. For those receiving refunds, every little bit helps. The average student will receive approximately $2,100 this year.

Bursar Marsha Mitchell said that the main reason students are receiving refunds is that they have scholarships, financial aid awards and other payments that exceed their tuition, fees and other charges.

What students do with their refund checks is up to them, but now students also have another option in how they will receive their refund this year. They could obtain their refund by waiting in line or they could try out the new e-refund system that is now available. According to Mitchell the e-refund system could have several benefits for both students and faculty.

“Many students will wait hours in line to pick up manual checks at the Business Affairs Office,” said Mitchell. “Students can save time and transportation costs by electing electronic deposit and not coming to the Administration Building to wait in line for their check. In addition, they do not have to go to the bank and wait in line to deposit their check.” This could prove to be valuable with the number of students enrolled on the rise, causing longer lines and longer waiting times since this is one of their busiest times of the year.

Mitchell said that it would also save a lot of time and money on the staff’s behalf. She said that since the lines should shorten, staff would be able to assist more students in other ways. Mitchell also said that it should also help save in costs such as check stock, printing supplies and printer ware.

“The university decided to set up an e-refund system as a convenience and courtesy to students to save them time and money,” said Mitchell. “Improving service to students while saving time for staff is a win-win situation.”

According to Mitchell, the e-refund system is very simple for students to obtain. First, students must authorize an electronic deposit through the UTM e-bills website at https://ebills.utm.edu. Then if the student elects electronic deposit and is due a refund, the funds will be electronically transmitted to his or her bank. Students should receive their money within five business days. Mitchell said that some students could actually receive their refund faster, but that some banks’ processing rules could cause delays that are beyond Business Affairs’ control.

Perhaps the best part about this new e-refund system is that it will not cost the student any additional charge to use the system. All they have to do is sign up for the service to avoid waiting hours in line at the Administration Building.

“We are excited to be able to offer the e-refund system option as a courtesy and convenience to our students,” said Mitchell. “We encourage students to go online and sign up for this service.” E-refunds can be a helpful new way to save some of your valuable time, as well as the time of the Business Affairs staff; therefore, try this new way of receiving your refunds and you can witness the benefits that it can produce.

Refunds will be distributed the week of August 29 through September 4. Make sure to check out the Refund Check Distribution Schedule out on the front page of this week’s Pacer to see when you can pick up your check if you do not wish to participate in the e-refund system service.

If you do not wish to use the e-refund system, it is also important to remember to bring your Student ID to Business Affairs on your specified date.

No refund checks will be distributed before their designated date.