2008 Woodie Awards
Comet Card to gain debit power
Anjie Vichayanonda
Issue date: 6/20/05 Section: Orientation
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Through collaboration with Wells Fargo, students have the option to link their Comet Cards to a Wells Fargo College Checking Account, which will convert the card into an ATM/PIN-based debit card.
"The card could be accessed at any merchant that accepts PIN-based debit cards," said UTD Smart Card program director Paulina Schleppenbach. "The main purpose was for students and staff to be able to use the cards outside of campus."
In the past, Comet Cards could only be used on-campus to check out books, access services in the Activity Center, and make campus purchases through UTDollars and E-bucks. Now, the cards can be used at any off-campus merchants accepting pin-based debit cards.
Most UTD students seem eager for the change.
"It would be a huge convenience to be able to use it as a debit card. It has always been a hassle to put money on the Comet Card. Because of that, I rarely used it," said business administration senior Chris Garcia.
New freshmen can pick-up the card from the Info Depot after registering for classes during summer orientations. Wells Fargo representatives will be on campus during orientation and move-in dates to help the freshmen if they decide to link their cards to an account.
Since linking the card is an option, freshmen that do not wish to link their cards will receive a Comet Card that still uses UTDollars and E-bucks, but will have a different look than the old Comet Cards.
Prior to being linked to the Wells Fargo account, students could place money on their cards at the Info Depot, called UTDollars. UTDollars are only accepted at the Activity Center, Bookstore, Callier Center, UTD Dining locations, Health Center, Info Depot, Library, Decal Office and Bursar's Office.
E-bucks, placed on the card's electronic chip, are used for photocopying and printing. Students can use cash or credit cards to add E-bucks on to the electronic chip on their Comet Cards. However, E-bucks are like cash, if the Comet Card is lost or stolen, the value cannot be refunded or transferred.
Returning students have the choice of keeping their old Comet Cards or receiving a new account-linked Comet Card. Returning students can obtain new Comet Cards at the Info Depot starting in the fall. Wells Fargo representatives will be on campus from August 15-26 to help students link their cards. In order to receive a Comet Card, students must show a photo ID and proof of registration.
Initial student reactions to the new functions of the card have been positive.
"I think the cards are a great idea. It's cards for us to carry around," said sophomore government and politics major Sara Stephens.
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