P2, Swoop to join in fall

Higher One plus P2 represents an equation University business officials hope students equate with easier transactions.

By next fall students can expect to carry a card that combines the qualities of Higher One or the Swoop card and the P2 card. Students now receive refunds on their Higher One card and put Patriot Bucks and Dining Dollars on their P2.

Sherry Loomis, the director of business services, said the new card looks like a credit card except it has two strips — one for purchases and one for refunds — on the back. The card cannot be used for credit purchases, Loomis said.

“Students and the bookstore are confused about what money is on what card and with the combination of both, students will just simply swipe each side till one works,” Loomis said.

The Higher One program costs the University $30,000, and most students are still choosing to receive their funds other ways, she said.

The P2 card holds Patriot Bucks that are accepted at on-campus venues and Schlotzsky’s, McAlister’s Deli, Posadas and CVS pharmacies off campus.

“I really want to grow the P2 program,” Loomis said.

She said she would like to add more off-campus vendors that accept Patriot Bucks giving students more options especially during times Aramark, the campus food provider, does not operate.

Students should receive a booklet with the new card explaining how it can be used, and where is it accepted, she said.
Loomis said she might propose student discounts if she can get more off-campus vendors to participate.

Officials also are working with a new partnership between Blackboard and Discover to launch the new card at universities. Students have to access two Web sites, but Blackboard plans to combine the two services.

The card would work at any location that accepts Discover, and students would be able to pay bills online, Loomis said.
Students must call a toll-free number to activate the card, giving University officials access to deposit refunds on the card.

She said the card also comes with checks students can use to pay bills or get cash.

Currently the only drawback to the system is making it compatible with PeopleSoft, the current campus wide computer program, Loomis said.

She said she is awaiting approval for new compatibility software. Someday the cards also may be used to give students access to buildings, she said.