2025 Bursar Fundamentals

2025 Bursar Fundamentals

February 12, 2025

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The Bursar Fundamentals program is perfect for those new to the business office, student financial services, or the higher education workplace, or those who want a refresher on the core responsibilities of the student accounts area. Attendees will gain an understanding of the topics bursars need to be aware of, such as financial aid, refunds, processing payments, and collections. An emphasis will be placed on customer service, including ways to communicate with students and financial literacy education. Join our experienced faculty members for this concentrated learning experience. The program will conclude with a conversation on the trends student accounts staff should have their eyes on for the future.

Learning Objectives

After this program, you will be able to—

  • Discuss the partnerships within your institution that will be critical to effectively managing student accounts receivables
  • Identify ways to effectively communicate with students and families
  • Review the core functions of the student accounts office

CPE Available: 5 Credits in Specialized Knowledge

Each individual must register and attend separately to earn credit.

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NACUBO is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website www.nasbaregistry.org

Program Information

  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites: Minimum 1-2 years of experience as a professional in higher education or a related private industry.
  • Advanced Preparation: None
  • Delivery Mode: Group internet based
  • Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
  • Length: Varies per session. Please visit the "Schedule" tab for session information.

Steps to Earn CPE Credit

CPE credit is awarded per session. You can only earn credit for attending a session live. CPE credit cannot be earned for watching the recordings.

To earn CPE credit, click the session name under the Schedule tab. On that session page, you will complete the following tasks under the Content tab, after the session has ended:

  1. Pass the CPE codeword quiz. Write down the codewords posted in the Zoom chat at random times throughout the session and complete the quiz at the end of the session. 
  2. Submit the CPE check-out code displayed at the end of the session. 
  3. Download your CPE certificate. 

You have until 5 pm Eastern Time on Thursday, February 13, 2025, to complete these three steps for all sessions or report technology issues with this site to online@nacubo.org.

For more detailed instructions, review the CPE Instructions page.

  • BF25: The High-Level View of the Bursar's Office
    Live Event: 02/12/2025 at 11:30 AM (EST)

    After introductions from the faculty, this session will focus on daily operations from the view of a director. Areas of responsibility such as organizational structure, process mapping, and separation of duties will be discussed. Student account systems and records will be addressed, along with the various ways institutions invoice students and families. You will also hear which partners—within and outside your institution—will be key to your success in student accounts.

  • BF25: Financial Aid and Refunds
    Live Event: 02/12/2025 at 12:30 PM (EST)

    Learn the ins and outs of Federal Student Aid, including notifications, disbursements, book vouchers, and prior-year charges. Attendees will also review reconciliations and the over-awarding of aid. Additionally, learn how you can prevent student aid fraud. Finally, discuss the management of a student account and learn how to issue Title IV credit balance refunds through multiple channels. Presenters will also briefly review the Return to Title IV process.

  • BF25: Payments and Payment Plans
    Live Event: 02/12/2025 at 1:25 PM (EST)

    Explore the many ways that bursars can accept payments. Credit card convenience fees, PCI compliance, and chargebacks will be highlighted. We will also cover internal and external payment plans, examining the benefits of each and how they can help your students.

  • BF25: Collections and Loan Administration
    Live Event: 02/12/2025 at 2:25 PM (EST)

    Managing receivables is a key function of the student accounts office. Get an overview of the federal and institutional loan program management. Presenters will review different types of loans—including federal, private, and institutional. Then, examine in-house and outsourced collection processes as well as reporting functions required to assure compliance with federal regulations. Presenters will also engage in a discussion around the latest trends in collections.

  • BF25: Customer Service, Financial Literacy Education, and the Latest Trends
    Live Event: 02/12/2025 at 3:40 PM (EST)

    Customer service is part of everything you do. Examine customer service philosophies and avenues of delivery. Learn how to be proactive in your communications and review different messaging paths, including online account information, publications, and email notifications—for both students and families. Attendees will also review why financial literacy education programs are essential to student success. Finally, a short summary of the latest trends in the field will be shared, followed by a wrap-up and an opportunity to answer attendees’ questions.

  • Brandon Cline-Taskey, director, university business office, James Madison University 
  • Wendy Pursell, director, office of student accounts, Kutztown University 
  • Scott Salzman, director of student financials and accounts receivable, Texas Christian University 
  • Jennifer Waters, assistant vice president, finance and administration and university bursar, The University of Chicago