JagCard makes campus purchases easy
The purchase of books, refreshments, meals, photocopies, and more will soon be just a swipe away with the new ASU JagCard. The JagCard, the new photo identification cards that were introduced fall semester, can be activated to be used on campus just like a bank debit card. Money must first be deposited into an account, and then the card can be used for a variety of campus services, including vending machines."The technology is quite flexible," says Mr. Dan Whitfield, associate vice president for business operations. "Money can be restricted for different services. For example, if parents want to put $200 on the JagCard and specify that it can be used for books only, then that is the only purchase that can be made with the card. If they specify that it be used strictly for food and snacks, then that is how it is applied," he explains.
Before the ID cards can be used for debit transactions, they must first be activated, even if the new cards have already been obtained, says Mr. Mark Brown, information analyst in the Special Projects Office. If they haven't already obtained the new ID, faculty, staff, and students can get the new card from the Office of Student Activities, he says. The card can then be activated for purchases by visiting Mr. Brown in E347 Allgood Hall (731-7080).
The new system is expected to be in full use by mid- to late-March, when all vending machines will be equipped to receive the card swipes. The bookstore and other campus services including food services, some vending machines, and the Allgood Hall copier will accept the JagCard before then, however.
ASU partnered with the Medical College of Georgia to obtain the new debit system, which MCG calls the Express Card—a multifunctional card similar to the JagCard. The partnership saved the university money, says Mr. Whitfield, who estimated the savings to be in the six figures. "The convenience of the card will be a real benefit to students, faculty, and staff, especially to those who may not want to carry cash," he adds.
Students moving into University Village this fall will also be able to use the JagCard for entry, as part of the housing's security system. "Even the laundry facilities at University Village will have card swipes, eliminating the need for coins," says Mr. Whitfield.
Personnel in the bookstore, business office, and Special Projects Office can answer questions about the new card, and brochures describing the JagCard will be available soon in the bookstore.
Next
Previous
Back to ASU Report home page.
Augusta State University · 2500 Walton Way · Augusta, GA 30904-2200
Office of Public Relations and Publications
706-737-1444
Email: webmaster@aug.edu
