As you begin your college journey, you’ll quickly realize that campus life often comes with its own language and terminology. Understanding the responsibilities of key roles on campus will help you feel more confident as you navigate this exciting new environment. Let’s break down three terms you’ll likely hear in your first year: bursar, registrar, and dean.

The Bursar: Your Go-To for Student Financial Accounts
Think of the Bursar’s Office as the financial hub of the university. The bursar is responsible for billing and collecting tuition, fees, housing charges, and any other payments tied to your student account. If you have questions about your bill, need to set up a payment plan, or want to know the balance on your account, this is where you go. The bursar does not handle financial aid or scholarships – that’s typically the role of the Office of Financial Aid – but they do apply those funds to your account once they’re awarded. Keeping up with communications from the bursar’s office is important, especially to avoid registration holds.

The Registrar: Keeper of Records and Schedules
The Registrar’s Office is where the academic magic happens behind the scenes. This office manages class registration, maintains academic transcripts, tracks your progress toward your degree, and makes sure your final grades are recorded accurately. You’ll interact with the registrar when signing up for classes, requesting transcripts, or applying for graduation. They also enforce academic policies – so if you’re trying to add or drop a course past the deadline, you may need to submit paperwork through this office.

The Dean: Leader, Advocate, and Academic Guide
There are usually several deans at a university, and each one serves a different purpose. For example, there might be a Dean of Students who focuses on student life, support services, and campus culture. There may also be a dean of a college or school (like the College of Business or College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences), who provides academic leadership and oversight for that area of study. Deans help set the tone for academic and student standards. You might meet with a dean if you need help navigating academic challenges, applying for certain exceptions to university policies, or exploring opportunities like study abroad.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Any time you start something new – whether that be a new job, internship, or a new school, it is normal to not know everything right away. College is full of learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom. The good news? Each one of these campus professionals is here to help you succeed. When in doubt, ask questions. That’s what they’re here for.

Are you ready to Make It More?  Set up an in-person campus visit to meet with one of our enrollment representatives, ask questions about financial aid, and discuss your academic programs of interest. Schedule your visit at thomasmore.edu/come-and-see.