Spring Break
Bulldog Bucks ventures toward new system
CAREY O'NEIL
Issue date: 6/12/09 Section: News
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The new system - which no longer allows students to deposit cash at any of the nine Bulldog Bucks "ATMs" on campus - was developed to streamline the deposit system, said Bill McGee, manager of UGACard Services and Bulldog Bucks.
Under the new system, students' options for depositing money include secure online transfers and in-person cash and check deposits at the Bursar's Office.
The charge for making online deposits with credit cards will remain the same - 2.75 percent with a $3 minimum.
The new system will unify the financial system, improve customer service and increase security, McGee said.
Even if the added security was breached, very little of a student's information would be available, McGee said.
"All we really store is the name, student number and e-mail."
With the new deposit method, McGee said he hopes to see students' use of Bulldog Bucks increase, despite the recession.
"We saw a pretty short dip [in use] in November, and for December we were back up at 19 percent," he said. "At this point, we've equaled our numbers from last year and started to surpass them."
With new students coming to campus every week for orientation, new Bulldog Bucks accounts are constantly being opened.
"We're getting several hundreds of deposits a day, which is considerably good considering the number of students we're getting at orientation," McGee said.
"We've had close to 1,000 deposits since June 1. In the first 24 hours after orientation we're getting 80 percent [of new students]."
Unlike a credit card, students cannot run up any debt using Bulldog Bucks.
When a deposit request is made, the money is not available until it has been paid through Student Accounts.
McGee said students with parking tickets and other balances on their accounts can make deposits without the money being applied to their balance.
If students request a deposit, but realize they do not have the money to make the deposit, they will be able to reverse the request.
"I'm proud of this system," he said.
The Bursar's office is not the beneficiary of the new deposit system, said Bursar Lisa McCleary.
"We're just doing our jobs, doing what we can to help the students," she said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 45
Scam
posted 6/11/09 @ 9:08 AM EST
How did the Red and Black manage to make this story sound like a positive change? Removing the ability to add a few dollars to your account at multiple machines across campus doesn't seem to "streamline the deposit system" in any way, unless "streamlining" just means making it easier for the management of Bulldog Bucks. (Continued…)
Welcoming?? I don't think so
posted 6/11/09 @ 9:26 AM EST
Not one of the students I have spoken to about this change is welcoming it. In fact, the general sense I get is that it is a major pain in the arse. When you used the machines to top up your card - it was FREE! And you could add as little or as much as you wanted - need $1 for copying? No problem. (Continued…)
Is Bulldog Bucks paying the R&B to report this?
posted 6/11/09 @ 10:38 AM EST
I work in a building with a Bulldog Bucks machine, and I have had nothing but complaints (and tears) from people who came into print, only had a few dollars on them and nothing else (students don't always carry credit cards) and are forced to buy a visitors card. (Continued…)
Idiotic
posted 6/11/09 @ 10:49 AM EST
I guess it isn't a coincidence that they forced this change on the campus while there are few students here to complain. Very sneaky and underhanded. (Continued…)
This is stupid
posted 6/11/09 @ 11:12 AM EST
This is stupid. That is all.
Change is not bad...
posted 6/11/09 @ 11:18 AM EST
I am surprised by how little people seem to understand about the "new system". You can still go online and request to add money to your Bulldog bucks card. (Continued…)
Yes, I'm lazy
posted 6/11/09 @ 11:27 AM EST
Wait. How is this a BAD thing?? Instead of having to track down a 'deposit ATM', on a day that I may or may not have cash in my pocket to deposit, I can just do it all online without ever leaving my seat. (Continued…)
Not complaining, just want options
posted 6/11/09 @ 11:48 AM EST
You know, I don't think anyone thinks that being able to add money online is a bad thing. I think people are just miffed that where you formerly had the option of either going online or of using one of the machines to add money, now you're forced to go online. (Continued…)
Missing the big picture...
posted 6/11/09 @ 12:00 PM EST
Those of you who say this is a good thing....
You're missing one little handy fact. How many students, during the first week of classes come fall, do you think will happen to know their bank routing and account numbers? You can guess at this forever and a day, but the short answer is that close to NONE will have those two crucial bits of info handy. (Continued…)
ryan
posted 6/11/09 @ 3:27 PM EST
bulldog bucks is a racket that rips off students and faculty
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