Student Financial Responsibility Agreement
The Student Financial Responsibility Agreement provides important information to students about the cost of their education and the financial policies associated with their enrollment at Westfield State University. This agreement sets forth the expectations for payment and polices related to, non-payment, collections, communications, and financial aid. The agreement also describes Westfield’s business processes. By signing the agreement, students acknowledge they have read the FRA and agree to its terms. Acceptance of the University’s agreement is required by each student in order to access the portal.
PAYMENT OF FEES/PROMISE TO PAY
I understand that when I register for any class at Westfield State University or service from Westfield State University, I accept full responsibility to pay all tuition, fees, and other associated costs assessed as a result of my registration and/or receipt of services. I further understand and agree that my registration and acceptance of these terms constitutes a promissory note agreement (ie, a financial obligation in the form of an educational loan as defined by the U.S Bankruptcy Code at 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8) in which Westfield State University is providing me educational services, and I promise to pay for all assessed tuition, fees, and other associated costs by the published or assigned due date.
METHOD OF BILLING
I understand that Westfield State University conducts business electronically. This includes but is not limited to receiving billing information through the student account at myWestfield. I am responsible for viewing and paying my student account by the scheduled due dates. I further understand that failure to review my bill does not constitute a valid reason for not paying my bill on time. I understand that administrative, clerical or technical billing errors do not absolve me of my financial responsibility to pay the correct amount of tuition, fees and other associated financial obligations assessed as a result of my registration at Westfield State University.
FINANCIAL AID
I understand that aid described as “estimated” on my Financial Aid award does not represent actual or guaranteed payment, but is an estimate of the aid I may receive if I meet all requirements stipulated by that aid program. I understand that my Financial Aid Award is contingent upon my continued enrollment and attendance in each class upon which my financial aid eligibility was calculated. If I drop a class before completion, I understand and agree that my financial aid eligibility may decrease and some or all of the financial aid awarded may be revoked. If some or all of my financial aid is revoked because I dropped or failed to attend class, I agree to repay all revoked aid that was disbursed to my account and resulted in a credit balance that was refunded to me. I agree to allow financial aid I received to pay any and all charges assessed to my account at Westfield State University such as tuition, fees, campus housing and meal plans, student health insurance, fines, service fees, or any other amount, in accordance with the terms of the aid.
WITHDRAWAL/FAILURE TO WITHDRAW
I understand and agree that if I drop or withdraw from some or all of the classes for which I register, I will be responsible for paying all or a portion of tuition and fees in accordance with the published tuition refund schedule http://catalog.westfield.ma.edu/ I have read the terms and conditions of the published tuition refund schedule and understand those terms are incorporated herein by reference. I further understand that my failure to attend class or receive a bill does not absolve me of my financial responsibility as described above.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT/COLLECTION
Financial Hold: I understand and agree that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due to Westfield State University by the scheduled due date a financial hold will be placed on my student account and I will not be permitted to change registration, register for future classes, and or obtain official diploma/transcripts until account balances are paid in full. Westfield State University reserves the right to cancel class schedules for students who have outstanding balances on their accounts. Late Payment Penalty: I understand and agree that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing Westfield State University by the scheduled due date, Westfield State University will assess late payment penalty at the rate of up to $100 per semester.
RETURNED PAYMENTS/FAILED PAYMENT AGREEMENTS
If a payment made to my student account is returned by the bank for any reason, I agree to repay the original amount of the payment plus a returned payment fee of $25.00. I understand that multiple returned payments may result in cancellation of my classes and/or impact my ability to register for future classes at Westfield State University. I understand that failure to comply with the terms of any payment plan or agreement I sign with the University may result in cancellation of my classes and or suspension of my eligibility to register for future classes at Westfield State University.
COLLECTION AGENCY FEES
I understand and accept that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing Westfield State University by the scheduled due date, Westfield State University may refer my delinquent account to a third party collection agency. Any accounts turned over to a collection agency will incur all costs of collection. I further understand that I am responsible for paying the collection agency fee which may be a percentage of up to 25% of my delinquent account, together with all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, necessary for the collection of my delinquent account. Finally I understand that my delinquent account may be reported to one or more of the national credit bureaus.
MASSACHUSETTS STATE INTERCEPT
I understand that Westfield State University participates in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Intercept program. I further understand that Westfield State University may refer my delinquent account to the Massachusetts State Intercept program which will intercept my Massachusetts state income tax refunds and or/Massachusetts State Lottery winnings. Any intercepted funds will be applied towards paying my outstanding delinquent balance to Westfield State University.
COMMUNICATION
Method of Communication: I understand and agree that Westfield State University uses e-mail to as an official method of communication with me, and that therefore I am responsible to read and respond to emails I receive from Westfield State University on a timely basis. Contact: I authorize Westfield State University and its agents and contractors to contact me at my current and any future cellular phone number(s), email address (es), or wireless device(s) regarding my delinquent student account(s)/loan(s), and other debt I owe to Westfield State University. I authorize Westfield State University and its agents and contractors to use automated telephone dialing equipment, pre-recorded voice, or text messages, personal calls, and or emails, in their effort to contact me. Furthermore, I understand that I may withdraw my consent to call my cellular phone in writing to the Director of Student Accounts at Westfield State University. Updating Contact Information: I understand and agree that I am responsible for keeping Westfield State University records up to date with my current physical address, email, addresses, and phone numbers by completing the necessary paperwork that can be found on the Registrar's office page. https://www.westfield.ma.edu/offices/registrar Upon leaving Westfield State University for any reason, it is my responsibility to provide Westfield State University with updated contact information for purposes of continued communication regarding any amounts that remain due and owing to Westfield State University.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This agreement supersedes all prior understandings, representations, negotiations and correspondence between the student and Westfield State University, constitutes the entire agreement between parties with respect to the matters described, and shall not be modified or affected by any course of dealing or course of performance. This agreement may be modified by Westfield State University as necessary to comply with changes in law, regulation or policy. The provisions of this agreement are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.