Student Business Services (SBS) at the University of Houston plays a crucial role in managing your financial interactions with the university. From tuition and fees to payment plans and refunds, SBS is the central hub for all student financial accounts. Effectively utilizing Uh Self Service options provided by SBS is key to a smooth and stress-free academic experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Student Business Services and how to leverage self service tools to manage your student finances efficiently.
Understanding Student Business Services (SBS)
Student Business Services is dedicated to maintaining accurate financial records for every student at the University of Houston. They utilize a centralized billing system that consolidates various charges, ensuring you have a clear and comprehensive view of your account.
What SBS Does
The centralized billing system managed by SBS encompasses a wide range of charges, including:
- Tuition and Fees: Consolidated Tuition and Fees, Mandatory Fees
- Housing and Dining: Room and board charges
- Library and Parking: Library fines, parking violation fines
- Miscellaneous Fees: Various departmental charges
Beyond billing, SBS also plays a vital role in:
- Refund Processing: Handling refunds when student accounts are overpaid.
- Payment Plans: Administering payment plans for tuition and fees, as authorized by the Texas Education Code.
For specific questions about individual charges on your account, it’s best to contact the department that initiated the charge. However, for general account inquiries and payment assistance, SBS is your primary point of contact.
Contacting SBS
Student Business Services is located in the Welcome Center, providing both in-person and phone support.
- Location: 124 Welcome Center
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Phone: 713-743-1010, option 6
- Website: http://www.uh.edu/about/offices/enrollment-services/student-business-services/
You can visit their office in the Welcome Center to discuss your account or contact the Enrollment Services Call Center for assistance.
Navigating Tuition and Fees
Understanding the tuition and fee structure is essential for financial planning. The schedule of charges is determined by your residency status and the number of credit hours you are taking.
Tuition and Fee Schedules
The listed tuition and fees in the schedule represent the minimum amount you can expect to pay. It’s crucial to remember that additional fees may apply depending on your program and activities.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond mandatory tuition and fees, be aware of potential additional costs such as:
- Course-Specific Fees: Laboratory fees for certain courses.
- Optional Services: Parking decals, locker rentals.
- Incidentals: Special lab fees.
- Learning Materials: Costs of books and supplies.
Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Texas Legislature and/or the University of Houston System Board of Regents. Always refer to the most current class schedule or the SBS website (www.uh.edu/sbs) for the most accurate and up-to-date cost information. The university reserves the right to modify tuition and other charges as needed due to university or legislative actions.
Mastering Billing and Payment
Student Business Services streamlines billing and payment processes through UH self service options, primarily accessible through the accessUH portal.
Accessing Your Bill Online (Self Service)
Enrolled students can conveniently view their tuition and fee statements online through Student Self Service at: accessuh.uh.edu.
All official tuition and fee statements are issued electronically by Student Business Services and reflect charges posted by various departments across the university. It is important to note that SBS will not reinstate students in courses or waive late fees due to claims of not receiving a paper bill. Online access via self service ensures that your billing information is available 24/7/365.
Payment due dates are published on the Student Business Services website: https://uh.edu/financial/payment/billing-due-dates. Staying informed about these deadlines is your responsibility to avoid late fees and potential enrollment issues.
Payment Options and Plans (Self Service)
The University of Houston provides various payment methods and plans to accommodate different financial situations.
Payment Plans:
In compliance with the Texas Education Code, payment arrangements must be finalized before the first day of classes each semester. This means you must either pay your tuition and fees in full or enroll in a university payment plan. Failure to do so may result in course unenrollment and a $20.00 Late Registration fee for re-enrollment after the first day of class.
Detailed information on payment plans is available at: www.uh.edu/financial/payment/plans/ or by consulting with a customer service representative at the Welcome Center. Keep in mind that prior balances must be paid in full before enrolling in a new payment plan. If you enroll in a payment plan and incur additional charges, these will be added to your plan, but it’s your responsibility to check your account for updated payment due dates.
Payment Methods:
UH self service allows for online payments through Student Self Service at: accessuh.uh.edu. You can also make payments in person at the Welcome Center. Accepted payment methods include:
- Online: E-check (no processing fee)
- Online & In-Person: Major Credit Cards (American Express, Master Card, Visa, Discover Card) – Note: A processing fee applies to credit and debit card payments for tuition, fees, and other charges.
Personal checks returned unpaid by the bank must be cleared with cash or certified check. Failure to resolve returned payments can lead to disenrollment, loss of check-writing privileges, and referral to a collection agency.
Financial Holds:
Unpaid balances after the due date will result in a financial hold on your student record. This hold prevents registration and transcript requests. Ignoring past-due balance notices can lead to service disruptions. At the end of each term, a $50 severance of service fee is assessed on accounts with outstanding balances, further restricting services like transcript release, room and board, and future enrollment.
Financial Aid and Loans (Leveraging Self Service)
Student Business Services also facilitates access to financial aid and loan programs, many of which can be initiated or managed through UH self service.
Book Loans
Students enrolled in at least six credit hours with demonstrated financial need can apply for book loans each fall and spring term (up to $400) and for the summer term (up to $200). These loans are intended for purchasing books and supplies at the bookstore.
Book loans become available after enrollment activation each term and must be used by the 20th calendar day of the term. Applications are submitted through Student Self Service. A $5.00 processing fee plus the loan amount will be charged to your student account upon issuance. Any unused portion of the book loan will be credited back to your account.
Dean of Student’s Cash Loan
For students facing unexpected financial emergencies, the Dean of Students Office offers 45-day emergency loans (up to $500). These loans are for personal and school-related expenses (excluding tuition and fees) and carry a $5 service charge.
Emergency loan applications can be made at the Dean of Students Office, Student Center South 256, starting from the first day of classes. While the application is in-person, checking for eligibility and loan status might be possible through UH self service platforms.
Refunds (Self Service)
If you drop a course or withdraw from the university, you may be eligible for a refund based on state-mandated refund percentage rates outlined in Chapter 54 of the Texas Education Code.
Refund requests can be initiated through Student Self Service at: accessuh.uh.edu. Refunds are calculated based on the amount billed, not the amount paid. It’s crucial to consult with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to understand how changes in your course load might affect your financial aid eligibility.
Conclusion
Effectively utilizing UH self service for managing your student finances through Student Business Services is crucial for a smooth and organized academic journey at the University of Houston. From accessing your billing statements and making payments to applying for book loans and requesting refunds, the self service portal at accessUH provides convenient and efficient tools to stay on top of your financial responsibilities. Remember to regularly check the Student Business Services website and your accessUH account for important updates and deadlines. For personalized assistance, the SBS team at the Welcome Center is always ready to help.
