The change is aimed at better reflecting the office’s role in assisting students and families with making tuition payments or issuing refunds for financial aid disbursements.
In an effort to provide a more intuitive and welcoming experience for students, Elon University’s Bursar’s Office will officially change names at the end of the spring semester to Student Financial Services.
University leaders believe the change will better communicate the office’s role in student financial matters and ensure that students know where to go for billing-related assistance.
The services, functions and location will remain the same with the name change becoming effective June 1, 2025. Alessandra Gabriel, Elon University bursar, says that while the term “bursar” has been used for many years, including at Elon and other institutions, it feels outdated and uninviting.
“The word ‘bursar’ sounds medieval,” she said. “It doesn’t really convey the friendly, supportive environment we want to offer students.”.
Because many parents often handle tuition payments, when students do need financial assistance, they may not immediately recognize the Bursar’s Office as the place to go.
The new name, Student Financial Services, is expected to provide greater clarity by more accurately reflecting the office’s role in managing student accounts, billing and payments.
How does Student Financial Services (Bursar’s Office) assist families?
The office is responsible for:
- Billing all students for tuition, fees and other charges.
- Processing payments and helping students with payment plans.
- Issuing refunds for overpayments or financial aid disbursements.
- Collaborating with the Office of Financial Aid, Residence Life, and Elon Dining to ensure all financial matters are covered.
“We are essentially the bank of the school,” Gabriel said.
While Student Financial Services works closely with the Office of Financial Aid, the two remain separate. Financial Aid focuses on grants, scholarships and loans, whereas Student Financial Services manages tuition payments, account balances and refunds.
Student Financial Services will continue to direct students to the appropriate resources if their needs fall outside its scope.
“We know that students will adapt quickly,” Gabriel said. “Our focus will be on making sure that parents, faculty and staff are aware of the change, as they may be more accustomed to the old name.”
Students with billing-related questions are encouraged to visit the office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Alamance Building, Office 113.
The Bursar’s Office/Student Financial Services joins another prominent campus office in changing names at the end of the semester. The Office of Disabilities Resources will be renamed the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility effective June 1, 2025.