Bursar's Office

Mailing address:
Samford University
Bursar's Office
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229

Direct phone: 205-726-2816
Toll free: 1-800-888-7214
Fax: 205-726-2184
E-mail: broffice@samford.edu

2009-2010 Financial Policies

Other Services, Requirements and Costs

Check Cashing

The Bookstore is authorized to cash checks up to $50 per day for a student whose account is in good standing. The face of the check must have the student’s name, local address, and telephone number and student identification number. Students must present a valid photo ID. A student who presents a check to Samford University that is not honored by the bank will be charged $28. If that check is not redeemed within 10 days of notification; the student may be subject to disciplinary or legal action. All check cashing privileges are revoked after the third returned check.

The Samford Card

All students are required to have an official Samford University photo ID (SAMFORD CARD), made and recorded by the Department of Public Safety & Emergency Management. These IDs offer students a convenient, safe and easy way to make purchases and utilize campus services. It is used as an identification card, meal card, library card and for access to certain facilities. With activation of an optional debit account, the SAMFORD CARD can be used to make purchases in the Bookstore, Food Court, Cafeteria, several campus copiers, and drink and snack machines. The SAMFORD CARD works similarly to a checking account in that your deposited funds are debited each time you make a purchase.

Activity Fees

Tennis, swimming, racquetball and many other recreational activities are available without charge. The field house has an indoor jogging track. Outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting, rappelling, etc., are sponsored by the Student Government Association. Fees are charged to cover the actual cost of these activities.

Medical Insurance for Students

A student injury and sickness insurance plan is available to undergraduate and graduate students and their dependents. The plan protects the insured 24 hours a day, including holidays, for a 12 month period beginning with the onset of the academic year. In most instances, an initial evaluation and referral from Student Health Services (SHS) is required prior to seeing an off-campus provider. Detailed information regarding eligibility, exclusions and rates can be obtained in the SHS office or by viewing the plan brochure at the Student Health Services website.

Based upon Federal Regulations and University policy, all F and J visa holders must have health insurance coverage for themselves and all dependents during residency in the U.S. Insurance may be obtained by the student independently or purchased through the University but must contain certain required coverage. Proof of coverage is required before registering for classes. Samford University may terminate international students who do not continue to comply with insurance requirements. Information about specific policy carriers, minimum coverage, and premium costs are available from the International Studies Office at (205) 726-2741.

Personal Property Insurance

Each year college students lose millions of dollars worth of personal property as a result of theft, vandalism, water or fire. Students at college have a large investment in desktop computers, laptop computers, television sets, CD and DVD players, radios, cell phones, cameras, PDA’s, calculators, mini-refrigerators, clothing, text books, CD's, DVD’s, albums, and other personal property. A college or university is not liable for these losses simply because the loss occurs on campus.

All students, especially those who live in Residence Halls, should insure their personal property either through their parent’s homeowners insurance or through a private insurance policy. The University has established an insurance program through National Student Services, Inc. This insurer provides personal property insurance for students at over 1,000 colleges and universities. For more information on student personal property insurance see www.nssinc.com or pick up a brochure at the Residence Life Office, 106 Beeson University Center.

Membership Fees

Some student organizations have an annual membership fee. In addition, Greek organizations have monthly dues along with an initiation fee.

Laundry Facilities

Washing machines and dryers are available in each residence hall. All washers and dryers are coin-operated and many machines are equipped to accept the Samford Card.

Student Telephone Services

Local telephone service is included in housing charges. Telephones are not included and must be provided by the student. Resident students can dial any local or intra-campus call with no additional charge.

Samford no longer provides long-distance services to students. Most students use the long-distance services provided by their own cellular telephone service plan. Students who need long distance services should make arrangements with a long distance carrier and use that carrier’s access (usually dialing an 800 number) to make long-distance calls. For more information regarding telephone service, contact Telephone Services at (205) 726-2996.

Samford University complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination, including applicable provisions of and amendments to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Executive Order 11246, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or services.

Inquiries and concerns regarding this policy may be directed to the vice president of business affairs or general counsel, Office of Business Affairs, 200 Samford Hall, Birmingham, AL 35229, (205) 726-2811. This notice is available in alternative formats upon request.