In response to Chancellor James Oblinger’s desire for departments to function at a lower cost, the Cashier’s Office has decided to forgo in-office payments.

Bruce Forinash, director of the University Cashier’s Office, said in a statement that changes to the payment system will begin April 1.

“All students will be required to pay their bills online or by sending their payments through the mail to our bank lock-box,” Forinash said in the statement. “The Cashier’s Office will no longer be able to accept cash or check payments for student bills directly in the Harris Hall office.”

Maria Brown, associate director of the Cashier’s Office, said there has been a dramatic decline in the number of students coming into the office to make payments.

“77 percent of students make their payments either online or through the lockbox,” she said.

Brown said of the remaining students, 80 percent of those were unaware they could pay online.

“I went outside one day when there was a mile long line, and I told them they could pay online,” she said. “I got some blank looks.”

Brown said the move is designed to reduce the Cashier’s Office budget. She said online bill payment is much cheaper for the Cashier’s Office.

“It costs us about 10 cents to make an online payment, whereas an in-office payment costs us about $1 after the clerk scans the check, calculates the checks and makes the deposit,” she said.

Forinash estimated the annual savings of eliminating the cashier function at $60,000.

In addition, Brown said they can eliminate two to three positions and save about $75,000.

However, Mary O’Neill, student accounts manager, said no staff members were going to be fired or laid off.

“We had two staff members retire, and another resign,” O’Neill said. “We’re just not going to fill those positions.”

O’Neill said the changes have been in the works for about two months.

“I’ve already moved two people from receipts to customer service, which is what all our employees will be after the change,” she said.

Brown said the change to customer service will be vital.

“Sometimes it’s nice to sit down with your accountant and have them explain the answers to your questions,” she said.

However, O’Neill said the office will be flexible regarding payments, if absolutely necessary.

“If there are no other options we will work with you,” she said.

James Hall, a senior in communication, said his bill is payed online, but worries that incoming freshman won’t know how to pay their bill.

O’Neill said the Cashier’s Office gives a presentation at freshman and parent orientations, in which they explain to the audience how to pay their bills.

“This year we will place strong emphasis on online bill pay,” she said.

O’Neill said online payments are more convienent. However, Keegan Guizard, a freshman in engineering, said he disagreed.

“It’s easier to come [to the Cashier’s Office] and make my payments,” he said.

Guizard also said he doesn’t like online payments.

“I know a lot of people who don’t trust having all their information online,” he said.

Forinash said in his statement the decision was made “by listening to students, parents and seeing what services our peer institutions offer to their students.”