Financial institutions, including the financial offices of colleges and universities, are required by federal debt collection and consumer protection laws to be transparent with their billing and payment policies/procedures and collection requirements. Institutions must also ensure that students (consumers) are aware of their policies and responsibilities. For this reason, the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) requires that students accept the Statement of Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFRA) which acknowledges their financial obligations and understanding of the related policies of the university. The SFRA informs students of their financial responsibilities associated with enrolling for courses, living in on-campus housing, and participating in meal plans. It also explains the potential consequences that may result if a student fails to meet those obligations.
Our goal is to help students understand the cost of their education and the financial policies associated with their enrollment at UC Merced. The SFRA, in conjunction with the Business and Financial Services website, MyBill account information, letters, and other documentation, helps explain the university’s expectations for payment and allows us to clearly inform students of our policies related to billing, late payment, contact methods, etc.
University department communications are covered by the SFRA. While a student at UC Merced, we must be able to contact you regarding your academic and financial obligations and any requirements. Communication methods may include email, telephone, or text messages.
You can read the entire Student Financial Responsibility Agreement.
Who Must Complete an SFRA?
All students at UC Merced who have incurred a charge through the registration process which includes the following:
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Tuition and registration fees
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Housing and meal plan charges, if applicable
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Inclusive access and bookstore charges, if applicable
A parent or someone other than the student cannot complete the SFRA. We are aware that others, such as a parent, a sponsorship, or an employer may pay or cover a student’s account balance. However, ultimately all students are responsible for their student account, including any unpaid balances a third-party payer does not entirely pay. Additionally, in the event an account balance results from a change of circumstance in a funding source, students are responsible for the amount due. As such, the student must complete the SFRA.
If you are a student who receives financial aid, you must also complete an SFRA. All financial funding is subject to terms and conditions, and if a student fails to meet those terms such funding can be reversed. The student then needs to cover the remaining cost.
How Do I Complete the SFRA?
You need to log into the UC Merced Connect student portal to be able to complete your SFRA. You can access the student portal via this link. Once you are logged in, ensure you are logged in as a student and do the following:
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Click on the My Student Record icon
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On the new page that opens, there will be an Action Items box on the right-hand side to view your items, click View Action Item(s)
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Click in the Financial Responsibility Agreement section, and the Financial Responsibility Agreement will display for you to read
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After you have read it, click the box next to “I accept the Financial Responsibility Agreement” then enter your initials in the box below and click Save
How Often Do I Need to Complete the SFRA?
Students must accept the terms and conditions of the SFRA each academic year during course registration.
- Ex.: If you are enrolling for the fall 2022 term and you complete your SFRA in July 2022, the SFRA will be applicable for the fall 2022, spring 2023, and summer 2023 terms.
