Collections/Delinquent Accounts
Failure to pay an account balance or any monies due to Western Michigan University by the scheduled due date, and failure to make acceptable payment arrangements to bring an account current, may result in WMU referring the delinquent account to a third-party collection agency. Account holders agree that they are responsible for paying the collection agency fee, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of thirty-nine percent of the delinquent account balance, together with all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs, necessary for the collection of the delinquent account. Account holders also agree that the delinquent account may be reported to one or more of the national credit bureaus. As a state-chartered University, there is no statute of limitations on delinquent balances owed to WMU.
Department holds
Past Due Balance
A WMU account with outstanding charges or any monies past due that exceed $750 not received by the scheduled due date will result in a past due balance hold. This hold type will prevent future services, including but not limited to registration for current or future terms, or a diploma from the University.
Certified Funds
Indicates that only certified payments will be accepted on the account. Payment methods considered as certified include: cash, debit or credit cards (online only), cashier’s checks, and money orders. A convenience fee of 2.95 percent or $3, whichever is larger, is charged by Touchnet to process any domestic credit or debit card payments. A convenience fee of 4.25 percent or $3, whichever is larger, is charged by Touchnet to process any international credit or debit card payments. Beginning May 5, 2025, the convenience fee for domestic debit and credit cards will increase to 3.00 percent or $3, whichever is larger.
Collections
Indicates the account has been placed with a third-party collection agency. To resolve this hold, payment in full with certified funds to WMU, or to the collection agency servicing the account is required. The account holder should contact Accounts Receivable (269) 387-4141 for the account to be reviewed.
Deferred Payment Plan
Indicates the student is enrolled in a deferred payment plan. This hold does not prevent the student from receiving services or registering for courses.
Perkins
Indicates the student has a delinquent Perkin’s Loan. To resolve this hold, the student may contact Accounts Receivable (269) 387-4141.
Returned item unpaid/NSF check
Indicates that a web check or check payment was rejected. The payment could have been returned for insufficient funds, incorrect account information, the bank account was closed, a stop payment was issued, etc. To resolve this hold, a certified funds payment that fully covers the amount of the returned check plus a $25 returned check fee, (assessed on any returned check) is required. A payment made to WMU by ACH payment or check may be automatically re-presented to the financial institution for processing a second time. If the item is returned unpaid a second time, no further attempts will be made. If the payment for the unpaid item is not made with certified funds, this hold may remain on the account for 14 days, or until WMU has been provided with documentation confirming the payment has fully cleared the bank.
Returned payments made towards tuition and fee charges could result in current/future courses being canceled if not repaid with certified funds in a timely manner.
Diploma
Indicates the student has been issued a diploma, but has a remaining financial obligation to WMU. To resolve this hold, the outstanding financial obligation needs to be resolved. If the payment is not received with certified funds, the diploma may be held for 14 days, or until WMU has been provided with documentation confirming the payment has fully cleared the bank.
Need Valid Address
Indicates that the address on record at WMU for the account may no longer be accurate. This may be due to WMU mail being returned from that address, an update from the National Change of Address database if a student has moved out of an on-campus dorm/apartment, or for several other reasons. To resolve this hold, the address must be updated through GoWMU. Once the address has been updated, the account holder will need to contact Accounts Receivable.
Write off
Indicates a past due balance remains due on the account from previous semesters/sessions or previous years. To resolve this hold, the account holder may contact Accounts Receivable for instructions.
Delinquent accounts
Any charges on a Western Michigan University billing account that remain unpaid by the statement due date will result in a hold on being placed on the account. This may prevent future services from the University, which may include (but not limited to) student course registration, the release of a diploma, credit-based services at the health center, the ability to charge dining dollars, and the ability to sign-up for on-campus housing. Late payment fees are assessed monthly on any past-due account balance.
Late Payment Fee
Account balances that are 30 days past due or greater, are subject to the assessment of a late payment fee at 1.5% monthly (18% annually) on approximately the 15th of each month. Late payment fees will continue to be assessed monthly on any past-due balance until the account is current. Late payment fees cease when an account is placed with a third party for collection.