Authorized User

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law designed to help protect the confidentiality, accuracy, and privacy of student educational information. When a student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights, under FERPA, transfer from the parents to the student. More information on FERPA is available on the Registrars web page.

Authorized user for payment and account information

Western Michigan University students can grant parents, family members, and other third parties access to their payment and account information. This allows the authorized user to view and make payments and to view and receive notices regarding invoices, monthly statements, and payment plans.

Students may set up two types of access – set up an authorized user for payment and account information (see below), and proxy access for academic and financial aid information. Proxy access information and management resides with the Registrar’s office.

See set up Instructions for Authorized User

Login for authorized users

Authorized users for payment and account information can log in to their student's account through the authorized user website by entering their email and password in the authorized user’s box.

Locked authorized user accounts

Authorized users should wait at least 1 hour to regain access to locked accounts. After waiting 1 hour, authorized users can return to the authorized user login page and have a temporary password emailed to them.  Select 'e-mailed' under 'Forgot your password?' on the payment and account login screen. Use the new temporary password to log in.

Authorized users who are still having trouble after waiting 1 hour and resetting the password, may have a browser issue.  Please clear the cache on the current browser and/or try another browser. Enabling pop-ups may also be helpful.

Helpful instruction on clearing cache and cookies is available through the Technology Help Desk

Authorized user email changes

Only students can complete changes to an authorized user email address. The student will need to:

  1. Login into GoWMU using their Bronco NetID and password.
  2. Select the Payment and Account Information channel.
  3. Select the Authorized User link
  4. Select the authorized user with the old email address and delete it.
  5. The student can then add the authorized user back with the new email address.

The newly authorized user receives two email messages from wmu-billing@wmich.edu. One with instructions to log in and a second with a temporary password. Authorized users must log in, change the temporary password, and enter their name to complete the authorized user process and gain access.

Questions

Please contact Bronco Express by calling (269) 387-6000 or email wmu-billing@wmich.edu.