TNS, auxiliary services to launch new one card

Beginning as early as this summer, Southern University’s Technology and Network Services, in conjunction with Auxiliary Services, is planning to experiment with a new way for students to handle financial matters on campus with the introduction of the One Card.
“It’s been a culmination of the ideas of a lot of people,” said Huey Lawson, director of the office of Technology and Network Services. “The One Card is something we’ve been pushing for a number of years.”
The One Card will be the student’s official identification card, only with more features aimed at making campus life much easier.
“This new system will be more convenient for both the students and staff,” said Latonya Green-Jones, director of auxiliary services. “The One Card will save students the hassle of going from building to building for tedious tasks such as making a payment.”
In addition to the features of the current student I.D. card such as printing, copying and usage as a standard meal card, the One Card will enable students to purchase items from the bookstore, sporting events, pay off parking fines and also utilize in the laundry facilities among other places.
“Once the system is up and running, it will be extremely convenient because students will have more options on and off campus with different vendors and they will only have to carry their card and only a limited amount of cash if they choose,” said Bursar Demetria George.
Students like Meghan Williams, a sophomore English education major from Baton Rouge are optimistic about using the One Card.
“I think that the One Card is an excellent idea and the student body will have a positive reaction,” Williams said. “I feel that Southern’s technology department is taking a huge step by giving the students a system that will be comparable to that of LSU’s students.”
The cards will require students to add value, which according to Jones will be hassle free.
“Adding money to your One Card will be easy by simply using the value transfer stations which will be located at select places on campus,” she said.
Students who are enrolled for the 2006-2007 school year will receive information about the card over the summer that will highlight the convenience and perks of the One Card. Once student fees are paid, their One Card will be activated and the student will then have the option of the amount of money they want to place on their card.
“Our goal is to have a properly working system and to give students the benefit that other college students have,” Jones said.
TNS also has plans for the students to use their One Card as a true debit card at off campus locations in the near future.