Staff

Payroll Requirements for Separating Employees

Posted on by
Title: Payroll Requirements for Separating Employees
Policy Owner: Payroll Department
Applies to: Hiring Departments and Employees
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486-2423
Official Website: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/

 

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the timely and reasonable submission of required documentation to produce accurate final payments to separating employees.  This is critical to meeting payroll processing deadlines; complying with federal and state regulations and reporting requirements; avoiding overpayments; and minimizing additional, unscheduled work for Payroll and hiring departments.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all hiring departments and employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses.

DEFINITION

A ‘Separating Employee’ is defined as an individual who is leaving employment with the University of Connecticut and requires a final paycheck.  Common reasons for separation include, but are not limited to, resignation; retirement; non-continuation of an end-dated appointment; and transfer to another state agency.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University is required to produce payments to employees in accordance with the General Statues of Connecticut, Chapter 34, Sec. 3-119, guidelines set by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.  In addition, the University is required to adhere to the Core-CT payroll processing schedule set forth by the Office of the State Comptroller.

The Payroll Department has established deadline schedules by which required documentation for separating employees must be received to ensure timely and accurate payments.  The deadline schedules are posted on the homepage of the Payroll Department website at www.payroll.uconn.edu. Departments or units have an obligation to submit complete and on-time documentation for the separated employee.  All obligations of the employee, such as travel advances that are unaccounted for, will be withheld from the final paycheck, provided prior authorization was obtained in writing from the employee.

If late notification or an extenuating circumstance prevents an employing department from meeting a posted deadline, it is critical that the department contact Payroll immediately.  Failure to do so may result in an overpayment to a separating employee, as well as an over-expenditure of funds from a department’s budget(s).

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Documentation requirements (electronic and/or paper) for separating employees can also be found on the Payroll Department website at the following links:

Payroll Employee Population Link
Unclassified Faculty; Postdocs; Management and Confidential; and Professional Staff http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/unclassified_requireddocs.html
Classified Clerical; Maintenance; and Fire and Police Staff http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/classified_requireddocs.html
Special Adjunct Faculty; Summer Research/Teaching; Rehired Retirees; and other Seasonal Professional Appointments http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/special_requireddocs.html
Graduate Assistant Graduate Teaching Assistants; Graduate Research Assistants; and Prestigious Internships http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/graduate_requireddocs.html
Student Student Labor and Student Work Study http://payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/student_requireddocs.html

Payroll Requirements for Active Employee Changes

Posted on by
Title: Payroll Requirements for Active Employee Changes
Policy Owner: Payroll Department
Applies to: Hiring Departments and Employees
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs and Regionals
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486-2423
Official Website: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the timely and reasonable submission of required documentation to produce on-time, accurate payments to active University employees who have a change in the terms of their employment.  This is critical to meeting payroll processing deadlines; complying with federal and state regulations and reporting requirements; maintaining employee satisfaction; and minimizing additional, unscheduled work for Payroll and hiring departments.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all hiring departments and employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses.

DEFINITION

“Active employee changes” include, but are not limited to, the following types of transactions that may occur over the lifecycle of an individual’s employment:

  • Continuations/End Date Changes;
  • Employment Changes (including changes to Title, Salary, Appointment, Department, Percentage of Employment, etc);
  • Funding Changes;
  • Reclassifications

POLICY STATEMENT

The University is required to produce payments to employees in accordance with the General Statues of Connecticut, Chapter 34, Sec. 3-119, guidelines set by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.  In addition, the University is required to adhere to the Core-CT payroll processing schedule set forth by the Office of the State Comptroller.

The Payroll Department has established deadline schedules by which required documentation must be received to ensure timely and accurate payments, and compliance with applicable laws.  The deadline schedules are posted on the homepage of the Payroll Department website at www.payroll.uconn.edu. Departments or units responsible for hiring have an obligation to obtain and complete required documentation within the deadlines prescribed at the above website.

Required documentation received in the Payroll Department after the posted deadline for the transaction effective date may not be processed within the current payroll cycle.  The decision will be based on the circumstances resulting in the late submission, as well as the internal biweekly payroll processing schedule.  Any exceptions to this policy will be strictly limited, and at the discretion of the Payroll Department.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Documentation requirements (electronic and/or paper) for changes to the status of active employees can also be found on the Payroll Department website at the following links:

 

Payroll Employee Population
Unclassified Faculty; Postdocs; Management and Confidential; and Professional Staff
Classified Clerical; Maintenance; and Fire and Police Staff
Special Adjunct Faculty; Summer Research/Teaching; Rehired Retirees; and other Seasonal Professional Appointments
Graduate Assistant Graduate Teaching Assistants; Graduate Research Assistants; and Prestigious Internships
Student Student Labor and Student Work Study

Timecard Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Posted on by
Title: Timecard Submission Requirements and Deadlines
Policy Owner: Payroll Department
Applies to: All Employees
Campus Applicability:  UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486-2423
Official Website: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/

 

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the timely and accurate completion and approval of time and attendance records.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses required to complete biweekly time and attendance records.  This includes all members of the classified bargaining units; all members of the University of Connecticut Professional Employee’s Association (UCPEA); all Management and Confidential staff; student employees; and certain special payroll appointees.

This policy also applies to University employees who have been granted signatory authority to approve time and attendance records.

DEFINITION

A time and attendance record is a true and accurate statement of time worked and time taken.  These records must be completed in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, collective bargaining agreements, State regulations and University policies.  By submitting and/or approving a time and attendance record, employees and their supervisors are attesting to the accuracy of the time reported.  An approved time and attendance record also authorizes the expenditure of funds in accordance with time reported.

POLICY STATEMENT

Employees are required to submit biweekly time and attendance records for the purposes of calculating payments, and managing accruals and other entitlements.  In the event that an employee is unable to complete his/her time and attendance record (or is not included in the self-service population) it is the supervisor’s responsibility to complete it on their employee’s behalf.

All time and attendance records must be submitted and approved by the deadlines posted on the Payroll website.  Changes to the biweekly submission and approval deadline due to holidays, severe weather events and unforeseen circumstances will be communicated to the University community in as timely a manner as possible.

Corrections to previously reported time must be submitted as soon as the discovery is made.

Access to the time and attendance systems is administered by the Payroll Department, subject to the established guidelines on the Payroll website and consistent with the security policy administered by University Information Technology Services.  Under no circumstances should a login ID and password be shared.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Time and attendance procedures for employees and supervisors are posted on the Payroll Department website at www.payroll.uconn.edu.

 

Payroll Requirements for New Employees

Posted on by
Title: Payroll Requirements for New Employees
Policy Owner: Payroll Department
Applies to: Hiring Departments and Employees
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs and Regionals
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486 2423
Official Website: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/

 

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the timely and reasonable submission of required documentation to produce on-time, accurate payments to new University employees.  This is critical to meeting payroll processing deadlines; complying with federal and state regulations and reporting requirements; maintaining employee satisfaction; and minimizing additional, unscheduled work for Payroll and hiring departments.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all hiring departments and employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses.

DEFINITION

A “New Employee” is defined as an individual who is becoming actively employed with the University of Connecticut and receiving compensation for services.  This generally includes first time hires, as well as rehires who incurred a break in service with their employment at the University.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University is required to produce payments to employees in accordance with the General Statues of Connecticut, Chapter 34, Sec. 3-119, guidelines set by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.  In addition, the University is required to adhere to the Core-CT payroll processing schedule set forth by the Office of the State Comptroller.

The Payroll Department has established deadline schedules by which required new hire documentation must be received to ensure timely and accurate payments, and compliance with applicable laws.  The deadline schedules are posted on the homepage of the Payroll Department website at www.payroll.uconn.edu. Departments or units responsible for hiring have an obligation to obtain and complete required documentation within the deadlines prescribed at the above website.

Required new hire documentation received in the Payroll Department after the posted deadline may not be processed within the current payroll cycle.  The decision will be based on the circumstances resulting in the late submission, as well as the internal biweekly payroll processing schedule.  Any exceptions to this policy will be strictly limited, and at the discretion of the Payroll Department.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Documentation requirements (electronic and/or paper) for new employees can also be found on the Payroll Department website at the following links:

Payroll Employee Population Link
Unclassified Faculty; Postdocs; Management and Confidential; and Professional Staff http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/unclassified_requireddocs.html
Classified Clerical; Maintenance; and Fire and Police Staff http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/classified_requireddocs.html
Special Adjunct Faculty; Summer Research/Teaching; Rehired Retirees; and other Seasonal Professional Appointments http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/special_requireddocs.html
Graduate Assistant Graduate Teaching Assistants; Graduate Research Assistants; and Prestigious Internships http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/graduate_requireddocs.html
Student Student Labor and Student Work Study http://payroll.uconn.edu/PY/for_departments/student_requireddocs.html

Paycheck Distribution

Posted on by
Title: Paycheck Distribution
Policy Owner: Payroll Department and the Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations
Applies to: All Employees
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486-2423
Official Website: www.payroll.uconn.edu

 
REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the appropriate handling, and timely distribution, of paychecks to University employees.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses, as well as department liaisons responsible for claiming and distributing biweekly paychecks.

DEFINITION

Pay periods occur in two week cycles that begin on the Friday of a pay week and end on the Thursday of the following pay week.  There is a two week interval between the date of a check and the period for which employees are paid, with the exception of Graduate Assistants who are paid ‘to-date’ (see Graduate Assistant Pay Schedule Policy).  Biweekly paychecks are collated and distributed based on the ‘section number’ assigned to a department by Payroll.  Employees who have elected to utilize direct deposit do not receive a paper advice of deposit.  All employees are able to access their paystub information via ‘ePay’ on the State’s Core-CT portal.

POLICY STATEMENT

Distribution at the Storrs Campus: Designated department liaisons on the Storrs Campus must retrieve paychecks at the Payroll Department Main Office between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on alternating Thursdays.  At the time of pickup, the ‘Payroll Authorization Check Card’ (issued by the Payroll Department) must be presented.  Checks that are not claimed at the Payroll Department Main Office will be delivered to departments on Friday via intercampus mail.

Distribution to the Regional Campuses: Representatives from the regional campuses are not required to retrieve paychecks at the Payroll Department Main Office on the Storrs Campus.  Paychecks will be delivered to the regional campuses via mail delivery service or courier.

Section Number Assignment: Departments are assigned unique section numbers for ease of distribution, and employee checks are coded accordingly.  At the discretion of the Payroll Department and under limited circumstances, new section numbers will be created.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Departments are responsible for distributing paychecks to their employees.  Although departments may have their own internal distribution protocol, Payroll has established the following requirements:

  • Every attempt must be made to distribute checks to employees on the day they are picked up (Storrs Campus) or received (Regional Campuses).
  • Paychecks must be secured at all times.  Departments may not distribute paychecks by placing them in open mail slots in unprotected, public areas.
  • Employees must not cash or deposit checks until 3:00 p.m. on pay Thursday (the start of the next banking day).
  • Departments must not hold checks for more than one (1) pay cycle.  Unclaimed checks must be mailed to the employee or returned to the Payroll Department, unless prior alternative arrangements have been made with the employee.
  • Departments may not open employees’ paychecks since they contain personal and sensitive information.

Notification to departments and/or employees will be sent via email (or other appropriate media) in the event that a check distribution date must be changed due to a holiday or inclement weather.

Paid Sick Leave for Student Employees

Posted on by
Title: Paid Sick Leave for Student Employees
Policy Owner: Payroll Department and the Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations
Applies to: Student Employees
Campus Applicability:  Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486-2423
Official Website: www.payroll.uconn.edu

 

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to comply with CT Public Act 11-52 (CGS 31-57r through 31-57w), and administer paid sick leave for student employees.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to Student Labor and Federal Work Study employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses, as well as University departments who hire student employees.

DEFINITION

A “student employee” is defined as a student employed on the Student Labor and/or Student Work Study payroll.  The University considers student employees as meeting the definition of a service worker under CT Public Act 11-52 (CGS 31-57r through 31-57w): http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/SickLeaveLaw.htm

POLICY STATEMENT

 

Accrual of Paid Sick Leave:

Student Employees of the University of Connecticut begin to accrue paid sick time beginning January 1, 2012 or upon hire, whichever is later, under the following terms and conditions:

  1. Student Employees accrue one hour of paid time for every forty (40) hours actually worked.
  2. The maximum accrual of sick time hours is forty (40) hours per calendar year.
  3. Student Employees may carry over a maximum of 40 hours of unused sick time from one calendar year into the next but the employee shall not be able to use more than the forty (40) hours in one (1) calendar year.
  4. Under no circumstances are Student Employees entitled to any payout for accumulated but unused sick leave.

 

Use of Paid Sick Leave:

Student employees shall be entitled to the use of accrued paid sick leave upon the completion of their 680th hour of employment with the University measured from January 1, 2012 or from their date of hire if hired after January 1, 2012.

Sick leave must be taken in one (1) hour increments.

A maximum of forty (40) hours of sick leave may be used each calendar year.

Sick leave may only be used in lieu of previously scheduled hours.

Pay Rate for Sick Leave:

Sick leave will be paid at the Student Employee’s normal hourly rate at the time the leave is taken.

Reasons for Use of Paid Sick Leave:

Student Employees may only use accrued paid sick leave for the following reasons:

  1. To treat the employee’s own illness, injury or health condition; for the medical diagnosis, care or treatment of the employee’s own mental illness or physical illness, injury or health condition; or for preventative medical care for the employee.
  2. For the treatment of the employee’s child’s or spouse’s illness, injury or health condition; the medical diagnosis, care or treatment of an employee’s child’s or spouse’s mental or physical illness, injury or health condition; or preventative medical care for the employee’s child or spouse.
  3. For the employee’s treatment or services related to the employee’s status as a victim in a family violence or sexual assault incident, for the medical care or psychological or other counseling for physical or psychological injury or disability; to obtain services from a victim services organization; to relocate due to such family violence or sexual assault; to participate in any civil or criminal proceedings related to or resulting from such family violence or sexual assault.

Notice:

If the reason for the sick leave is foreseeable, the Student Employee must provide at least seven (7) days advance notice to their supervisor,or if the leave is not foreseeable, the Student Employee must provide as much notice as is practicable.

Documentation:

Documentation signed by a health care provider indicating the need for the number of days taken may be required by the Student Employee’s supervisor for leaves of three (3) or more consecutive days.

 

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Resources to assist hiring departments in administering this policy can be found on the Payroll Department website at https://payroll.uconn.edu/student-sick-time/.

Workers’ Compensation Light Duty Policy

Posted on by
Title: Workers’ Compensation Light Duty Policy
Policy Owner: Payroll Department
Applies to: All University Employees
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses (see details below)
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll
Contact Information: (860) 486-2423
Official Website: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

The University strives to provide a safe and healthy work environment and is committed to returning employees to work, as appropriate, from a work-related injury or illness.  Administering a policy on light duty provides benefits to both the injured worker and the University.  Statistically, employers that facilitate return to work programs have a higher percentage of injured workers achieving full recovery over employers who fail to provide such programs.  Additionally, employers that utilize such initiatives have lower direct costs associated with workers’ compensation than those who do not.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all permanent and temporary employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses who are paid salary or wages by the State of Connecticut are covered by the State’s Workers’ Compensation Program, and are eligible to participate in the light duty program.  This includes faculty, staff, student labor, work study, special payroll, and graduate assistants provided that the injury occurred while performing a function related to their employment with the University.

DEFINITIONS

Injured Worker:  An employee who initiates a workers’ compensation claim pursuant to the State of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut’s injury reporting requirements.
Temporary Modified/Restricted Duty:  A work capacity given to an injured worker by their treating physician stating that the employee is not capable of performing their regular job duties, but is capable of working in a modified or restricted capacity within their normal job classification.
Regular Duty:  A work capacity given to an injured worker by their treating physician stating that the injured worker is capable of returning to work without restrictions or modifications to their normal job classification.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Connecticut provides a light duty program for all employees who sustain a workplace injury or illness.  The University will provide modified or light duty assignments, as available, to an employee with an approved workers’ compensation claim, once they have been released to temporary modified/restricted work by a licensed medical professional.  Placement into a light duty position is on a temporary basis and should never become permanent.  Light duty is not guaranteed and may be modified, or ended, at any time, even if the employee’s physician has not released him/her to regular duty.  Employees who are working a light duty assignment will be held to the same standards of accountability for performance and conduct standards as an employee on regular duty.  An employee working on a light duty assignment is to abide by the restrictions imposed by their treating physician and should not exceed those restrictions until released by the doctor.  It is also the employee’s responsibility to immediately inform their supervisor and the Workers’ Compensation Administrator of any changes made to their work capacity while working a light duty assignment.

If a light duty assignment is offered by the University, an employee’s refusal to accept the offer of light duty may affect the employee’s right to workers’ compensation benefits and will be determined by the third party administrator.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

An injured employee should immediately notify their supervisor and the Workers’ Compensation Administrator once their treating physician has released them to any type of modified or restricted work.  The employee must also provide the Workers’ Compensation Administrator with a signed, written copy of the modifications/restrictions given to them by the treating physician.  The Workers’ Compensation Administrator will coordinate with the employee’s supervisor to determine if a light duty assignment is available.  If such a position exists, the employee will be contacted and expected to return to work on the next scheduled business day.  Under no such circumstance should an employee work outside their prescribed restrictions until cleared to do so by their treating physician.  Supervisors should monitor the tasks being completed by an employee working temporary modified/restricted duty to ensure that the employee is working within their prescribed restrictions.

If a light duty assignment is not available, the employee will be continued on their workers’ compensation leave.  Should a light duty assignment become available prior to a change in the employee’s work capacity, the employee will be notified by either their supervisor or the Workers’ Compensation Administrator, and would be expected to return to work on the next business day.  An employee with a light duty work capacity that cannot be accommodated may be required to do job searches at the discretion of the third party administrator, in order to continue to receive payment.

Short Term Advances ("Change Funds")

Posted on by
Title: Short Term Advances (“Change Funds”)
Policy Owner: Office of the Bursar
Applies to: Faculty and Staff
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Office of the Bursar
Contact Information: (860) 486-4830
Official Website: http://bursar.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish a uniform control procedure for providing short term advances to departments in conjunction with University events and must first be approved by the Department Head and Cash Operations, to ensure safeguarding of University assets.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to departments handling change funds at the University.

DEFINITIONS

“Short term advance” or change fund is defined as an advance of funds from the Bursar’s Office of two weeks or less with a maximum of $4,000 per advance.

POLICY STATEMENT

University departments who receive short term advances are responsible for returning the funds no later than two weeks after the date of receipt of the funds.  Any department who receives such advance is required to adhere to control and reconciliation processes established by the Bursar’s Office.

ENFORCEMENT

Any department that does not comply with this policy shall be ineligible to receive future short term advances.  Violations of this policy by individual employees may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

The Office of the Bursar has sole responsibility for advancing short term funds to departments for University events with proper documentation/approvals and controls in place to safeguard assets.  It is the responsibility of the department to return the funds within two weeks.  For additional information, access the Cash Operations web page at the following link:  http://bursar.uconn.edu/cash-operations/.

POLICY HISTORY

Reviewed with no revisions January 14, 2022.

Returned Check Policy

Posted on by
Title: Returned Check Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the Bursar
Applies to: Faculty and Staff
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Office of the Bursar
Contact Information: (860) 486-4830
Official Website: http://bursar.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with state guidelines on processing and accounting for returned checks. (State of CT Accounting Manual, Receipts, Section 4.1).

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all departments receiving checks on behalf of the University as well as all customers and students paying the University for goods and/or services.

POLICY STATEMENT

Checks deposited by the University and then returned by the bank for insufficient funds or any other reason are the responsibility of the depositing department to recover any money still owed to the University.  The department or student is charged back, including any bank fees as applicable.

ENFORCEMENT

The Office of the Bursar charges customers/students a $25 fee for a check returned by the bank for any reason.  The Office of the Bursar will notify students with multiple returned checks that check payments will no longer be accepted and all future payments must be made in the form of money order, certified or cashier’s check or Western Union wire payment.  For non-student returned checks, it is the department’s responsibility to pursue collection of the funds and fees with the customer, and the individual department has the discretion to accept future checks.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

The Office of the Bursar Cash Operations unit is notified by the bank if a check is returned to the University. Cash Operations sends the notification to the appropriate depositing department. It is the department’s responsibility to then submit the appropriate entry in the general ledger system to reflect the returned payment. Cash Operations approves the entry based on the debit to the University’s bank account.

POLICY HISTORY

Revisions:  Reviewed; Procedures updated, January 24, 2022

Opening a Merchant Account for Credit Card Acceptance

Posted on by
Title: Opening a Merchant Account for Credit Card Acceptance
Policy Owner: Office of the Bursar
Applies to: Faculty and Staff
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Office of the Bursar
Contact Information: (860) 486-4830
Official Website: http://bursar.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to ensure University compliance with the Payment Card Industry Standards which can be found at www.pcisecuritystandards.org.  Credit card transactions are monetary transactions and therefore are subject to the same control and reconciliation policies as cash transactions.  No department may open a merchant account to accept credit card transactions without the approval of the Controller and Bursar.

APPLIES TO:

This policy applies to any department seeking to accommodate customers wanting to pay by credit or debit card and thereby opening a merchant account.

DEFINITIONS:

Payment Card Industry Standards:

PCI security standards are technical and operational requirements set by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council to protect cardholder data.  The standards globally govern all merchants and organizations that store, process, or transmit this data – with new requirements for software developers and manufacturers of applications and devices used in those transactions.  Compliance with the PCI set of standards is mandatory for their respective stakeholders, and is enforced by the major payment card brands who established the Council:  American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide, and Visa Inc.

POLICY STATEMENT:

All University approved accounts must adhere to the Payment Card Industry Security Standards including the performance of the SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire), annual attestation and successful University computer and network scans.

ENFORCEMENT:

The Controller’s Office may at any time terminate the department’s merchant account for a policy/procedure violation.  In addition, payment card industry compliance violations may result in fines from the payment brands (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, JCB, BC Card, DinaCard and Diner’s Club) to the acquiring bank, at their discretion, from $5,000 to $100,000 per month which may be charged back to the department in noncompliance.  Fines are dependent on volume of credit cards breached and remediation efforts required.

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS:

The Office of the Bursar has the authority to recommend approval from any department to the Controller of an application for opening and operating a merchant account.  These transactions are monetary transactions and subject to the same governance as cash.

Detailed procedures and resource documentation may be found on our website at:  http://bursar.uconn.edu/cash-operations/.

POLICY HISTORY

Reviewed with no revisions January 14, 2022.