Everything was in place at Ohio University in Athens, OH. The university had recently converted its paper bills to electronic and websites allowing for payment via credit card or electronic check were up and running.

Now the only question was - how to get the word out efficiently to students (and parents)?

Bursar Sherry Downs believes that one way is to train them when they are young.

Sherry knows this applies not only to her own family, but also to each new incoming freshman class. This is partly why Sherry has been heavily involved in the University's Precollege program over the past six years.

During the one and one-half day Pre-college program, Sherry explained, incoming students and their parents learn about the curriculum offered, register for classes and learn about campus-related services. This is where Sherry and her team at the Bursar's office come in.

Sherry and assistant bursars Carole Gilkey and Kimberley Trout talk to parents and students about probably one of the most painful aspects of college life - paying the bills. The billing cycle is explained, as well as payment deadlines, accepted methods of payment, payment venues, how financial aid is disbursed, etc.

Ohio University is quickly evolving as a paperless billing site - the institution began using CASHNet eBill Presentment late spring 2005 to send students (and their authorized third-party payors) electronic bills. The University had implemented CASHNet SmartPay a couple of years ago, allowing students to make credit card payments over the web. In July OU added CASHNet eBill Payment via ACH, offering a no-cost payment option over the web.

The bulk of the incoming freshman class attends OU's Pre-college program during the last week of July and first two weeks of August, said Sherry. During this three-week period Sherry speaks to 250- 300 families daily, stressing the convenience of the electronic billing and payment methods.

This year, members from Sherry's staff began manning portable kiosks and assisting students in accessing their student information via the university portal. The staff also helps students set up parent PINs and shows students and parents how to view bills and make payments.

Sherry estimates that about one-third of the parents attending have parent PINs set up after the sessions, and many more come to the Cashiers' Office sometime during their visit. The Bursar's web page the Ohio University website also offers a wealth of information to nervous parents.

"During the first week and a half of Pre-college I had only parent who objected to not getting a paper bill," said Sherry. "I think we're making progress!" .