Last year, Longwood unveiled the much-anticipated LancerCard that so many had hoped for. Unfortunately, the LancerCard system has not lived up to the hype that surrounded it prior to its debut. There was hope that the Lancer Card could fulfill the desires of students who wanted a "one-card" system that allowed for the use of money at local retailers through the Bonus Dollar system. However, it does seem the card is not exactly what students longed for, even though some are buying into LancerCard and Lancer CA$H.
Granted the card can be used at off-campus locations such as CVS Pharmacy, Papa John's Pizza and Sheetz; to me, the card is just like a debit card with criticisms and complications. But it's good for the students who don't have a debit card or who want an alternative method of spending their money.
But what about those Bonus Dollars?
Bonus Dollars are not synonymous with Lancer CA$H, contrary to popular belief. Lancer CA$H can be used at all of the locations that accept Bonus Dollars, but not the other way around. For example, McDonald's accepts Lancer CA$H, but not Bonus Dollars. Now, I know that Bonus Dollars are meant for ARAMARK services since that money comes with the meal plans available on campus, however I think the card would get a boost in business if Bonus Dollars and Lancer CA$H could be accepted at all the locations that one or the other is accepted at. Maybe one day.
Then there are the fees. You will incur a fee if you decide to add money to your LancerCard via the internet. A $2 fee in fact. That's just like taking your BB&T debit card and withdrawing money from the Wachovia ATM on campus. Now, of course, there is a value station next to the ATM in the Student Union that will allow you to add funds onto your card without incurring that fee, but what about that 2 a.m. transfer you need to complete when the ATM is not available? Expect to pay a $2 fee.
Probably the most controversial takeover the card has brought forth is the requirement of its use when printing in Greenwood Library or in computer labs on campus. First, free printing is discontinued and now students must use Lancer CA$H to pay for printing activity?
It'll certainly hurt procrastinators who wake up at 8:50 a.m. and have to run to the library to print off that book review that's due at 9 a.m., little to find out they are 10 cents short and are unable to pay for their print job. Then they are forced to roll into class explaining their LancerCard had insufficient funds, so they couldn't print their three-page paper.
The good thing about LancerCard is that the money is rollover, unlike Bonus Dollars. If you put five dollars on your card tomorrow, it will remain on there until you graduate if you don't spend it by then. But, if you have more than $5 and you wish it to be refunded to you, you again will have to pay a service fee and then wait for a check to arrive at your home.
I understand the concept. It's supposed to make life easier. It does away with long lines at Cashiering. I am in no way against the establishment of the card, nor do I think it's "stupid" as I've heard some people say. Simply put, it's not something juniors and seniors are interested in right now, I think. Market it to the new crowd coming in and you will see a success I am sure.
Why? Because we've heard too much about it and we've seen Lancer CA$H come to light everywhere to fast. It's just not for me or many people I know. The solution comes with the incoming class. If Longwood wants the LancerCard and Lancer CA$H duo to work, there needs to be a sell to the class of 2015, not so much toward current students
I applaud the efforts of the university in creating a position just to deal with the card and I know Ms. Sampier has heard the complaints as well as the praise. In the future, I wouldn't be surprised if the LancerCard pays for the majority of things on campus.
I think it's a great tool and it can be used in so many unique ways. I'll be looking forward to see where Lancer CA$H is going. But for now, I'll stick with my quarters to do laundry, my folded up dollar bill to buy an Orange Crush, and my debit card to eat at Charley's.
