Handbook of Business Procedures

15.4. RETURNED PAYMENTS

A. Introduction

Paper checks, electronic checks, and electronic fund transfers will be referred to as checks throughout this section. All are valid methods of payment for student accounts and must be drawn on U.S. banks in U.S. dollars. All checks are subject to the following returned-check processing procedures if returned by a bank for any reason. For returned payment related to sales of goods and services, see Part 5.6. Sales and Services Returned Payments.

B. Returned Checks

When a check is returned to The University of Texas at Austin for any reason, a service charge and a late charge, if applicable, are assessed. A notification letter is sent to the student when the payment is returned. A second notification letter is sent 10 days later if payment is not received. The student (or payor) has ten days from the date of each notice to make payment in full (including any late charges incurred) by cash, credit card, cashier's check, or money order.

The university will not accept a check as a form of payment on the student’s account if any of the following have previously occurred on a student’s account:

• The student previously had a registration canceled because of a returned check.
• A dishonored check was presented to clear a financial hold.
• The student was not responsive to requests for payment after paying with a dishonored check.
• Dishonored checks were habitually presented, even if restitution was promptly made.

Once a student’s account is barred from personal check payments, the bar remains in place for a minimum of one year from the date the returned check balance is paid. After the year has passed, the student may submit an appeal to the Returned Checks office for review to see if an exception may be made and the restriction may be removed.

If the student’s account remains unpaid after numerous attempts to collect the outstanding balance, the university’s departmental account to which the income was originally recorded will be debited. Alternatively, the account may be referred to the Travis County District Attorney’s office for collection following their procedures.

Note: The following apply to returned payments related to registration:

• If the returned payment was for the original bill of tuition and fees, the student’s registration may be cancelled.
• If a student makes a payment to clear a financial hold in order to register for classes and the payment is returned, returned payment procedures will be followed and the student’s registration may be cancelled.

C. Resources

For more information, visit the Returned Checks website or contact Returned Checks Services at returnedchecks@austin.utexas.edu.

Part 15. Student Accounting - Table of Contents