TouchNet Marketplace

Columbus State University Marketplace

Columbus State University Marketplace offers two primary options for accepting payments online: uStore and uPay.

The first option, uStore, allows departments to create a simple online storefront where customers can purchase items or services using a credit card. This option works well for departments that need a straightforward solution without requiring advanced web development. TouchNet hosts the secure payment gateway, ensuring that credit card information is processed safely and is not stored on university systems. Funds from transactions are deposited into the designated Fund and revenue account associated with the store.

The second option, uPay, is commonly used by departments that already maintain a university website and want to integrate online payment functionality directly into that site, such as, orientation registration, program fees, or event payments. This option allows for greater flexibility in branding and design, while still routing all transactions through TouchNet’s secure payment gateway. After completing payment, customers are redirected back to the department’s website to continue their experience.

Credit Card Fee Assessment

All Marketplace stores that process credit card payments are assessed monthly merchant service fees from TSYS/FIS, which serves as the university’s credit card processor. These fees are not tied to a single transaction but are allocated proportionally across all merchants based on their share of total credit card activity for the month.

The allocation is calculated using the following formula:
Department Merchant Fee = (Department Revenue ÷ Total Marketplace Revenue) × Total Monthly TSYS/ Fees

This means that departments with higher transaction volume or revenue will see a larger portion of the monthly merchant fees, while departments with lower activity will see a smaller share. The total fee distribution may also vary from month to month depending on overall Marketplace usage across campus.

Please note that cash and check payments processed through a TouchNet Point-of-Sale (POS) device are not subject to these monthly credit card merchant fees, as those transactions do not incur credit card processing costs.

Administrative Fee – ADFT

The ADFT (Administrative Fee) is a daily administrative allocation equal to 6.9% of all sales and revenue generated through Columbus State University’s Marketplace. This fee is assessed to support institutional operations and strategic priorities.

Funds collected through the ADFT are directed to support Presidential Initiatives, which advance the University’s mission, enhance student success, and strengthen institutional programs and services.

Student-related charges, including tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and other student account charges, are not subject to the ADFT.

Sales Tax

Departments utilizing Columbus State University’s Marketplace are responsible for understanding whether the goods or services they offer are subject to applicable sales and use tax requirements. While many university-related transactions may be exempt, certain sales—particularly those involving tangible goods, merchandise, or non-educational services—may require the collection and reporting of sales tax in accordance with state regulations.

It is important for departments to evaluate their activities in advance of launching a Marketplace store or accepting payments to ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws and university procedures. Proper tax determination supports accurate financial reporting, reduces compliance risk, and ensures the university remains aligned with state and regulatory requirements.

Departments seeking guidance on whether sales tax applies to their specific activity, or how to properly report taxable transactions, should contact Columbus State University’s Controller’s Office or the Bursar’s Office for assistance with understanding tax reporting requirements and ensuring appropriate setup within Marketplace.

Resource
Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Guidance

Policies and Procedures

All departments utilizing Columbus State University’s Marketplace, including both uStore and uPay, must comply with all applicable University policies and procedures related to financial transactions, information security, and the protection of sensitive data. These requirements help ensure that payment processing remains secure, compliant, and aligned with University and regulatory standards.

Departments accepting payments through Marketplace are required to follow the University’s PCI DSS Compliance Policy and the Departmental Payment Card and eCommerce Procedures, which establish the standards for securely accepting payment cards in both in-person and online environments. These procedures reinforce that Columbus State University does not store or retain credit card data and requires all payment processing to occur through approved, secure third-party solutions.

All Marketplace users must adhere to University requirements related to financial management, information security, data privacy, PCI DSS compliance, and the appropriate handling of student information under FERPA. Departments are not permitted to establish independent merchant accounts, purchase unauthorized payment devices, or collect payment card data outside of approved University systems.

Resources
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) Compliance Policy (PDF)

Departmental Payment Card and eCommerce Procedures

Columbus State University — Bursar’s Office

Marketplace Refunds

At Columbus State University, credit or debit cards should be the primary method used for accepting payments through Marketplace. Refunds for card payments must be reviewed and approved by store management prior to processing. Once approved, refunds must be issued back to the original payment method and account and may not exceed the amount of the original transaction.

Refunds should be processed in a timely manner and in accordance with University financial management and internal control standards. Departments are responsible for maintaining appropriate documentation to support all refund transactions and ensuring that refund activity aligns with established reconciliation and audit practices.

If an alternative payment method is approved for use within Marketplace, any refund request associated with that payment must be carefully reviewed to confirm that funds were successfully received by the University prior to issuing a refund. Requests to refund to a different account or payment method should be evaluated closely to ensure the legitimacy of the request and to reduce the risk of fraud or processing errors.

Departments with questions regarding refund eligibility, processing requirements, or appropriate handling of refund requests should contact the Bursar’s Office for guidance prior to issuing the refund.

Store Closure or Deactivation

Marketplace stores are expected to remain active and aligned with departmental business needs. To ensure proper system management, security, and reporting oversight, Columbus State University may close or deactivate Marketplace stores that have had no transaction activity for a period of two (2) consecutive years.

Prior to closure or deactivation, the department will be notified and provided with an opportunity to confirm whether the store is still needed. If the department anticipates future use, the store may remain active upon request and with appropriate justification.

Departments are responsible for periodically reviewing their Marketplace stores to ensure they remain current, necessary, and compliant with University policies and procedures. Closing inactive stores helps maintain accurate merchant records, supports PCI compliance efforts, and reduces unnecessary system and security risk.

If a department wishes to voluntarily close a store, temporarily deactivate a store, or reactivate a previously closed store, they should contact the Bursar’s Office for assistance with the request and next steps.