We started this article series last issue to better acquaint ICA members with the features and services available to them on the ICA web site. Last month, I covered how to update your contact information, photo, keywords and other important profile details (see "Update Your Profile the Easy Way with Account Manager," ICA Newsletter, Vol. 35, No. 5). This issue, let's take a look at managing the financial aspects of your ICA membership account.
Besides profile management, Account Manager has a few other features that facilitate membership dues and sections management. After logging into the MyICA page (the initial page of the Members Only section), click on the "Pay Dues Invoice" link. This lists any outstanding invoice in your membership account. The number on the left side of each entry is the invoice number; clicking that number shows the invoice details. Members who have subscribed to sections (divisions and interest groups) can make changes to those sections and the system automatically recalculates the total.
When you are ready, click the "Check Out" button to submit your credit card information. Be sure to wait for the payment confirmation screen appears confirming completion. Please be aware that credit card processing time varies and can take several minutes depending on internet traffic; avoid double-clicking the "Submit" button or hitting the browser's "Back" button to avoid charging your credit card more than once. It is important to note that we have taken the necessary steps to make all our online payment processing sites secure. This dues-processing web feature will surely come in handy in the next few months as we begin our 2007-2008 dues renewal period this month. As you know, ICA dues are due October 1 of each year.
Upon successful credit card processing, the system immediately emails a payment confirmation. We include enough information on the emailed confirmation that most universities find it a suitable receipt for reimbursement. Should you need a copy in the future, one is always available by clicking the "My Account Summary" link also in Account Manager. Past invoices are listed as in the dues payment site and clicking on the invoice number generates a printable receipt.
Just below the Account Manager box on the MyICA page you will notice your "My Sections" list, listing links to each of the sections to which you belong. The absence of links means you have NOT joined any Division or Interest Group.
We have added a Change My Sections request form to the web site. The link appears above the My Sections list. Members can now make changes to their sections anytime during the year. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, the best time to make any changes is during membership renewal.
The Account Manager - found on the MyICA page - combines all aspects of member profile management and financial record management for ICA members. The new data-driven ICA web site, introduced fall 2006, continues to allow us to provide more and more functionality to our members. We have received several additional suggestions on web improvements. Keep them coming!
Next month, we will introduce a few MORE new features.
Happy August!
Sam Luna
sluna@icahdq.org
