Office of the Bursar
Policies and Other Information
Audited Courses
Students may formally audit courses with permission of their major professors and the course instructors. Audited courses may not be used to satisfy any academic or graduation requirements. Formally audited courses will appear on the students' transcripts and will be graded either SAU (satisfactory audit) or UAU (unsatisfactory audit). The grade will be assigned based on a criteria for audit established by the course instructor. Registration guidelines for audited courses are the same as for courses taken for credit.
Broad-Based Fee Policy
This policy describes SUNY ESF's process for setting and collecting broad-based fees, which are generally charged to all enrolled students to finance discrete activities that benefit the student body. It also describes exemptions for certain populations of students and how fee refunds are determined.
Deferment Policy
Deferment of semester charges will be granted only upon proof of financial aid. Unless payment arrangements have been made that satisfy the college policy, the student is subject to withdrawal from ESF.
Late Payment Fee for all Students
All students who have not paid their outstanding balance (i.e. by check, cash, payment plan, financial aid, or credit card) by close of business on the due date will be subject to a late payment fee. This fee is based on the following:
| Debt | Administrative or Late Payment Fee |
|---|---|
| less than $1001 | $30.00 |
| $1001 to less than $2001 | $40.00 |
| $2001 and above | $50.00 |
ESF Collection Policy
Please be aware that the State of New York considers the bill of charges to be the
student’s financial obligation and it is the student who will be held liable for any
unsatisfied balance.
All bills are to be paid in full or deferred by the due date . Any unpaid bill will
incur a Late Payment Fee.
Any changes to the number of credit hours, after the issuance of the original bill of charges, are the student’s responsibility. All adjustments can be viewed via the website and must be paid before the next invoice billing on the first of every month. Any unpaid balances will be assessed a Late Payment Fee. Refunds are determined by the liability schedule noted above and in the college catalog. Please refer to that before making adjustments to your credit hours.
Those students with an outstanding balance as of the beginning of each month will receive an invoice along with notification of future actions that may be taken until the account is paid in full. Those actions are:
You will not be allowed to register for future courses at ESF.
Your account may be sent to the NYS Attorney General’s office for collection. If your
account is sent for collection you will be responsible for additional penalties, interest
and a 22% collection fee.
Return Check Policy
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All returned checks will incur a $20.00 Returned Check Charge.
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When applicable a late Payment Fee of up to $50.00 will also be incurred.
NOTICE OF STATE DEBT COLLECTION LAWS AFFECTING ALL PAST DUE DEBTS OWED TO THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Certain state laws that became effective on January 1, 1993 have granted additional enforcement powers to New York State agencies for collection of non-tax debts. These laws have augmented those codes and regulations that previously existed within the State University of New York. If you have a current or outstanding debt within the University, you are strongly urged to settle this matter now.
Important Provisions
Interest Or Penalty On Overdue Non-Tax Debt - State Finance Law 18
State agencies are authorized to assess interest or late payment penalty charges on overdue debts.
Collection Fee – State Finance Law 18
State agencies or their representatives may charge collection fees to cover established costs of processing, handling and collecting delinquent debts.
The amount can be as much as 22% of the outstanding debt. Authority To Hold Transcripts And Deny Registration – Section 302.1 (j) of Chapter V, Title 8 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations.
No person shall receive credit or other official recognition for work completed satisfactorily, or allowed to re-register, until all tuition, fees and all other charges authorized by the State University of New York have been paid or University student loan obligations have been satisfied.
Referral Of The Debt To The Tax Department – State Law 171-f
State agencies are authorized to certify to the Department of Taxation and Finance the past due legally enforceable debts should be offset against any tax refunds, contracts or other state payments.
Returned Check Charge – State Finance Law 19
State agencies are authorized to charge a returned check fee when a check is dishonored.
If you wish to avoid these measures, you MUST make arrangements to resolve any outstanding debts as soon as possible.
If you have questions regarding your debt, please contact our office by phone at 315-470-6652 or by email at bursar@esf.edu.
College Withdrawal & Refund Policy
The refund schedules outlined below have been established by the State University Board of Trustees. To obtain a refund, the student must fill out the official withdrawal form and specifically request a refund.
Tuition Refund Schedule
The first day classes are offered, as scheduled by the College, shall be considered the first day of the semester/summer session. The first week of classes for purposes of refunds, shall be deemed to have ended when seven calendar days, including the first day of scheduled classes have elapsed.
Financial Aid Refund and Repayment Policy
Refund Policy
The amount of refund a student is eligible to receive upon withdrawal from college
is outlined in the section “College Refund Policy.” Students obtaining financial aid
will not receive refunds until funds representing financial aid awards have been applied
back to the respective accounts.
Repayment Policy
Students who withdraw from the college after receiving cash disbursements of Title
IV financial aid to assist in paying their non-institutional costs may be required
to repay all or a portion of the Title IV aid received.
Health Insurance Coverage for International Exchange, Research and Study Programs
The State University Board of Trustees has adopted a plan of health insurance coverage for all participants in SUNY programs of international exchange, research and study. This mandatory insurance policy pertains to students and scholars studying abroad and to foreign students attending SUNY colleges. For details, contact the Cashier in 102 Bray Hall or email cashier@esf.edu.