Office of the Bursar COVID-19 Updates

Last updated 05/13/2020

UConn Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

The worldwide pandemic involving COVID-19 (coronavirus) has produced unprecedented challenges in the UConn community and around the world. These unusual circumstances create significant uncertainty and unease in the professional and personal lives of our students, employees, alumni, and others throughout UConn Nation.

The latest official guidance and updates on UConn’s response to COVID-19 and its impact on the university community is being provided in real time.

Current Students

Current Students

I am experiencing extreme financial hardship, does the University have any resources to assist me?

Students who are facing unexpected financial hardship due to COVID-19 are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services at financialaid@uconn.edu. Financial Aid will work to determine what, if any, supplemental financial support may be provided, or may refer students to the Students First Fund, which is administered by the Dean of Students office.

I want to register for my Fall 2020 classes but I have a “Bursar Hold”. What are my options if I am facing a temporary financial challenge and cannot immediately pay the balance due?

If you/or your family are experiencing extreme financial hardship due to the public health crisis, please contact us at bursar@uconn.edu. Describe your circumstances and we will review your account to determine options.

Can I mail a check to pay the outstanding balance due on my current fee bill?

The Storrs Campus is processing check payments on a limited basis. We cannot guarantee timely processing of check payments sent to our office via mail. We highly recommend paying your fee bill using one of the online payment options described at https://bursar.uconn.edu/payments-page/.

Are other UConn locations accepting check payments?

The School of Law, Hartford Campus, and Stamford Campus are unable to process check payments. All other campuses, including UConn Health are currently processing check payments on a limited basis. All students are strongly encouraged to make payments using one of the online options described at https://bursar.uconn.edu/payments-page/.

I am expecting a refund as a result of a recent award (e.g. scholarship, grant, student loan, etc.). When can I expect to receive the refund?

We are processing refunds daily via direct deposit. Paper refund checks are generated on Wednesdays and are mailed to the student’s address on file. We strongly encourage students to sign up for direct deposit.

I am on the University Payment Plan and did not make my final Spring 2020 installment payment on time. Will I be charged a late fee?

No. Late fees will not be assessed for the final Spring 2020 installment and the remainder of the semester.

Credits and Refunds

Credits and Refunds

Thank you for your patience as we navigate complex new challenges presented by the global spread of COVID-19. As announced and approved by the Board of Trustees on March 25th, students may receive a prorated credit for the following fees:

  • Education Abroad
  • Housing Charges
  • Dining Charges
  • Parking Permits

When will I get my credit/refund?

Eligible students will be contacted via email by the Office of the Bursar and provided options for their credits. We will also note on our website when each of the credits have been completed. Students who receive institutional funds for their Education Abroad fees, or room and board will not be eligible for a refund of this credit. Student Financial Aid COVID 19 FAQs

Our offices began issuing Education Abroad credits on April 13, 2020, and communicated to all impacted students shortly after this date.

Prorated Housing and Dining credits will begin posting to students accounts on April 29, 2020. Our office will be sending email communication to students on options for their credits. Please be patient as we work through all the student accounts effected.

Prorated parking permit refunds will be credited back to the original source of payment, (i.e. credit/debit cards). All others will be issued as a refund from Parking Services. This process began on April 24, 2020 with anticipated completion by early May.

I have a balance on my account, will I receive a credit or refund?

If a student has a current balance due, the credit will be applied to that balance first. After the balance is paid, you may request a refund or redeposit for the fall term by completing the appropriate form in our communication to you.

I want my credit to apply forward to the Fall fee bill, do I have to take action?

Yes, please complete the appropriate form provided in our communication to you.

I would like to request a refund for the credit balance, how can I do so?

To request a refund please complete the appropriate form provided in our communication to you.

Refunds will be processed via Direct Deposit. Students should sign up for direct deposit to ensure they receive any refunds quickly and securely. Instructions are available here. Students who do not sign up for direct deposit will receive a paper refund check. This process can take two weeks, plus mailing time.

Can I donate my credit?

UConn Nation, we’re in this together. The UConn community is addressing the needs of students who are facing unprecedented hardships due to the rapidly developing situation with COVID-19. You can join us by donating your 2020 refund to support UConn students that need it most. Your gift to the Students First Fund can help UConn put every effort behind easing the burden students are experiencing by paying expenses for transportation, gift certificates for grocery stores, and other convenience measures appropriate in their time of need.

If a student would like to redirect all or part of their credit to the Student First Fund, through the UConn Foundation, please fill out the Donation Request Form provided in our email communication and the UConn Foundation will provide a charitable gift receipt for your contribution in a timely manner.

The UConn community has demonstrated its commitment to addressing these critical student needs by offering a 1:1 match of refund donations up to $25,000. This match has been provided by an anonymous donor, and on behalf of all UConn students, please join me in a heartfelt Thank You to this individual.

Will I be receiving a refund for Spring 2020 tuition and/or fees?

No, at this time, all courses have transitioned to online learning and therefore, tuition and fees will not be prorated or refunded for the Spring 2020 semester.

CARES Act Emergency Funding for Students

I was awarded Phase 1 – Block Grant CARES funding, when will I receive a refund?

Students who are enrolled in direct deposit will receive their refund approximately three days after disbursement. Students who are not enrolled in direct deposit will be issued a paper refund check on Thursday 5/14/2020 and mailed to the mailing address on file.

Refunding related to the Phase 1 – Block Grant is scheduled to be completed by 5/15/2020.

I was awarded Phase 1 –  Block Grant CARES funding, but I am not in need of the funds, how do I return the refund?

Students can decline their award by sending a written email request to financialaid@uconn.edu. The student will return the grant to the Bursar’s Office by making a payment to their student account.

I applied for the Phase 2 – Emergency Application Funding and I was approved. When will I receive my refund?

Students who are enrolled in direct deposit will receive their refund approximately three days after disbursement. Students who are not enrolled in direct deposit will be issued a paper refund check. Paper refund checks are only issued on Wednesdays, to avoid a delay we STRONGLY encourage students to enroll in Direct Deposit.

Where can I find more information about the CARES Act and how to apply for funds?

Students should refer to https://financialaid.uconn.edu/cares-act/  for more information regarding the CARES Act and the application process.

Perkins, NFLP, and NDSL Borrowers

Perkins, NFLP, and NDSL Borrowers

Are my normal monthly Perkins/ NDSL/ NFLP payments still due during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes. You are required to continue making all required monthly payments. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please review our information on forbearance available at https://bursar.uconn.edu/forbearance/.

The US Department of Education is waiving interest on student loans during this national emergency. Does this apply to my Perkins/ NDSL/ NFLP loan?

No. This executive order only pertains to federally held student loans. Interest will continue to accrue at its normal rate on your loan during this time.

How can I contact staff to ask questions about my Perkins/ NDSL/ NFLP loan?

UConn Perkins Loan Office staff can be reached at perkinsloan@uconn.edu. We are closely monitoring email received Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. EST. We will respond to inquiries and notify borrowers of payment due dates, grace periods, etc. by way of this email address.

Our loan servicer, ECSI, is fully staffed. You may contact them at 1-888-549-3274 with questions regarding payments, account balances, etc. Staff is available from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for me to work and/or has negatively impacted my monthly income. What should I do?

We urge all of our borrowers to explore the option of forbearance. Forbearance is a temporary suspension or reduction of your monthly payment. Forms can be found at https://bursar.uconn.edu/perkins-hardshipforbearance/.

Will there be any changes to the way we should submit cancellation/ deferment paperwork?

No. Continue to submit paperwork via mail as you normally would. All forms submitted to ECSI will continue to be uploaded to UConn. If you have specific questions on where to send forms, please contact the staff at perkinsloan@uconn.edu.

Form 1098-T

Form 1098-T

Where can I find resources to help me access and understand my 1098-T?

Please read our 1098-T FAQ. It provides information regarding accessing and understanding your form. It also provides reasons you might not have been issued a form.

You can also visit https://bursar.uconn.edu/1098-t/ for more general information. Lastly, please email 1098t@uconn.edu with specific questions about your form.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Can I pay my invoice by ACH/eCheck?

Yes. You may pay UConn invoices online via ACH/electronic check. There is no fee to UConn customers when paying this way.

You will need your invoice number and/or customer number to pay online with ACH/eCheck, which you can do here: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21646_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=383

Can I pay my invoice by credit/debit card?

Some departments accept credit and debit card payments via UConn Marketplace. Please inquire with the department that invoiced you to see if they accept credit/debit card payments for invoices through Marketplace.

Where can I find additional information on paying an invoice?

For additional information on payment options, please contact the Cash Operations staff at cashoperations@uconn.edu. For additional information regarding invoices, please contact the Accounts Receivable staff at accountsreceivable@uconn.edu.

Where can UConn departments find guidance on the current status of AR collections?

Departments can find guidance on our page Current Collections Status for Non-Student Accounts Receivable.