Jackie Jones stands in the Bursar’s Office. Photo by Angela Foster
When you step into the Bursar’s office at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, it won’t be difficult to spot Jackie Jones. Her bubbly personality is inviting, and she will not hesitate to answer your Bursar-related questions. Not only is she a staff member at UTC, but she is also a recent alum. Jones graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication in May, so she understands the questions that come with being a student.
Can you explain what you do?
“I am a customer service specialist for the Bursar’s Office at UTC. I handle parking inquiries, concerns and payments, and I sit right up front when students walk into the office.”
What is a Bursar?
“The term ‘bursar’ is a Latin term. The Bursar, Janice Cosey, is the head of our department who oversees student accounts. She is responsible for anything that requires intensive decision-making. Essentially, the bursar oversees the entire student body’s financial accounts. She sees them as her kids.”
Why should students come to the Bursar?
“We are a business and finance office, so we handle tuition, and will answer any questions regarding tuition payments—including parking.
“Dealing with fees can be daunting, but we want to make the environment welcoming. My colleagues and I try to make the room feel less intense and more inviting. We crack jokes, try to get students to smile and make sure the office feels approachable.”
Do you have any tips for students coming to the Bursar’s Office?
“Always ask questions. If students have questions, I encourage them to ask as many as they need to.
“I always tell students that if they have questions about anything, to see me. If I don’t have an answer for it, I can point them to where they need to go. If someone has a question that the Mocs One Center can answer, I will send them that way. If there’s something that I can help them with from my experience as a student, I am happy to do that, too.”
What is your favorite place to eat on campus and what’s your go-to order?
“Starbucks. I have to get the vanilla sweet cream cold brew. The first summer I worked here, I went to Starbucks every single day.”
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