CMU stops check option for new employees’ payment as university goes to direct deposit
The option to pick up checks in payments from the university is being phased out, starting with new employees.
Student Account Services and University Billing will offer two payment options — direct deposit and the Central Michigan University Money Card Program, for all new employees starting today.
New student and faculty employees will no longer be paid in the form of checks. Previous CMU employees will still be able to receive checks as a form of payment.
Kimberly Wagester, manager of payroll and travel services, said direct deposit is popular with student employees.
“Other companies don’t send checks. That’s the way a lot of businesses are going to electronic pay,” Wagester said. “It makes sense business-wise to eliminate paper and cut costs.”
Direct deposit allows students to select a personal banking account to transfer CMU refunds and payroll.
The program directly deposits financial aid, Student Account Services and University Billing refunds and payroll onto a Money Network MasterCard. The Money Card can be used on campus ATMs to withdraw cash and comes with free checks.
Deposits transferred directly into a personal account can be split into checking and savings as well.
Eighty-four percent of students use direct deposit as a direct source of payment. Ninety-eight percent of faculty use direct deposit.
Wagester said the number of students using direct deposit went up from 70 percent in 2008.
Freeland sophomore Ryan Johnson, who works in the athletics department ticket booth, enjoys the benefits of direct deposit.
“It makes it easier to receive money,” Johnson said. “Because my credit union is at home, I don’t have to worry about cashing or depositing a check.”
The new policy will save time and money for the university, Wagester said.
“We have to send out letters if people don’t pick up their checks,” she said. “If they don’t after a long time, the money goes to the state.”
Rebecca Haggart, assistant coordinator of payroll, said the new policy will be well-accepted among CMU employees.
“I think they’ll be positive about it,” Haggart said. “It’s more convenient and better for everyone.”
For more information, contact Student Account Services and University Billing Office at 774-3618.
