What Your Bursar Wishes You Knew About Digital Payments

Got a story to tell? An innovative idea to share? Fill out our guest nomination form and let's chat!

‍

About the Episode: 

In this episode recorded live from Transact 360, Dustin gets insights from Patrick Beirne who serves as Senior Director of Student Financial Services at Wayne State University. In this rare sit-down with a real-life bursar (finally!), Pat offers a front-line view of how digital transformation is changing the way institutions bill and collect payments—and why it matters more than ever.

From phasing out cash to embracing Apple Pay, Pat shares practical insight into building a student-centric (and parent-friendly) payment experience. Plus, he breaks down how integrations, centralization, and modernization are more than IT buzzwords—they’re make-or-break moves in the race to remain relevant and responsive in higher ed.

‍

Key Takeaways

• The shift away from cash is real: Less than 2% of student transactions at Wayne State involve cash, highlighting the critical need for alternative payment options.
• Student financial services are central to the student experience: Every student interacts with billing—yet bursars are often left out of digital strategy conversations.
• Digital payments must be secure and flexible: With increasing options like Apple Pay and digital wallets, institutions must keep up with broader payment trends while ensuring robust security.
• Integration is more than IT—it’s strategy: Seamless payment systems are key to improving the user experience and remaining competitive in an evolving higher ed landscape.
• Being adaptable is non-negotiable: Institutions that resist change may struggle to survive amidst shrinking enrollments and rising competition.

‍

What exactly does a bursar do, and why should you care?
Patrick Bierne breaks it down: a bursar is responsible for billing and collecting institutional revenue—think tuition, housing, and auxiliary services. In short, bursars make sure that money flows in efficiently and securely. Yet, despite their central role in the student lifecycle, bursars are often left out of conversations around digital transformation. This episode makes a strong case for why that needs to change.

‍

How is digital transformation reshaping the way students pay for college?
Wayne State has seen a dramatic shift in payment behaviors, with less than 2% of transactions occurring in cash. Today’s students—and their families—expect fast, secure, and flexible payment options like Apple Pay and other digital wallets. Bierne explains how partnering with Transact has allowed Wayne State to evolve its payment infrastructure to meet these expectations, enhancing both student satisfaction and operational efficiency.

‍

What role do integration and system centralization play in student success?
It’s not just about convenience—it’s about survival. As higher education faces an enrollment cliff and declining perceptions of value, institutions must rethink their tech stacks. Bierne emphasizes the importance of having a shared vision across traditionally siloed departments, noting that seamless system integrations are a hallmark of a truly student-centered digital strategy. Institutions that fail to adapt risk falling behind as students gravitate toward schools offering a more modern, frictionless experience.

‍

How can institutions future-proof their financial systems?
Security, scalability, and student-first design are key. Bierne highlights how partnerships with experts like Transact help fill institutional knowledge gaps, especially around cybersecurity and evolving payment technologies. But perhaps the most important takeaway is the need for institutional adaptability. As digital expectations shift and external challenges mount, agility is no longer optional—it’s essential.

‍

About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.

‍

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell‍

‍

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

‍

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!

The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education.

Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

👉🏻 Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025!