Letter update on Higher One Refunding Task Force

The Higher One Refunding Task Force, after listening to student input on the Higher One Card, has created some recommendations for moving forward, as described in a letter written today by Rich Van Den Hul, the vice president for Business and Financial Affairs, and Anna Ellermeier, the Associated Students president.

All of the documents referenced in the letter are here.

The recommendations include two main areas. The first area deals directly with the Higher One Card program. The task force's report includes a number of recommendations regarding marketing and fees associated with the Higher One Card. The second area of the recommendations is internal to Western and relates to how the university involves and communicates with students on changes that impact them both before and after decisions are made.

The university is now moving quickly on the recommendations, according to the letter. After a Dec. 9 meeting, Higher One has agreed to address each of the marketing and communication items in the letter. The university is establishing a working group of Higher One personnel and Western personnel – including student representation – to develop new web pages and communications that deliver a quick and efficient refund process without the heavy marketing of their debit card.

Higher One has also agreed to review its fees. Western has requested that they provide a no-cost option that is competitive with regionally available debit cards. They are also reviewing the daily transaction limit to allow students better access to their funds while balancing risk of theft.

Finally, Western is reviewing how it can ensure that the student voice is more effectively heard and communications with students is clear and easily understood.

Read the letter for more information.