U-M has expanded online access this month to parents and family members seeking more information about their student’s University financial records.

With a student’s permission, up to four people can be authorized to log onto Wolverine Access anytime to view account summaries, bill statements, 1098-T tax forms and information about grants and scholarships, including disbursements and status updates.

“This would be an enhancement and reduce the number of questions from parents and students,” says James Middlemas, University cashier, whose office is part of Student Financial Operations. “It’s important that the parent have the opportunity to see the bill and the makeup of the bill.”

Michigan Administrative Information Systems developed the Web site for the Office of Financial Aid, Student Financial Operations and the Housing Office.

The services were introduced March 2 and essentially are an update to a service that was launched in summer 2004 that sent e-mails to authorized family members informing them of updates in four categories: student billing, financial aid, alerts and bulletins, and housing information.

Previously, an e-mail containing a link to the students’ bill was sent out every month that a statement was generated. The e-mails about student billing and financial aid now will contain more generic information about payment plans, deadlines and other services.

The service is available through the Parent Family Authorization link on the Wolverine Access Web site at http://www.umich.edu/parents/wolverineaccess/faq.htm. Previously, it was called the Friends and Family link. Family members can log on as a guest or friend. After a student authorizes a family member, letters are sent out with instructions.