Vending machines accept ID cards
By HELENA PAYNE
News Writer
The University started its newest project that could make carrying cash on campus unnecessary with the installation of new vending and laundry machines that take Domer Dollars.
"The more people with Domer Dollars use the facilities, it'll be like second nature," said Dean Winter, operations manager of Food Services' vending department.
The new machines still take cash and coins, but the added feature is a place to use University ID cards for Domer Dollar purchases.
"You swipe and the reader will show you what's in your Domer Dollar account," said Winter.
Only Knott, McGlinn and St. Edward's residence halls have the new machines, but by the end of the semester 10 dorms will have them, said Winter.
Originally, the vending department wanted to install the machines in one female and one male residence hall, Knott and McGlinn. However the vending department also put new machines in St. Edward's, because they were already installing the dorm's first laundry room and decided to make the washing machines and dryers Domer Dollar accessible as well.
Winter said Zahm Hall, which will soon get its first laundry room, would be the next dorm to receive the washing and vending machines that take Domer Dollars. After Zahm, the vending department will finish installations on both West and Mod Quads because of the similar building construction to dorms that currently have the new machines.
The vending department will install machines in other dorms after checking the costs at the end of the year. In January, the department will make plans to install machines in the rest of the dorms.
"It's kind of laborious, and it's expensive so it'll take a while," said Winters.
The vending and laundry machine project is one of the University's attempts to "broaden the usage of the card system," Winters said.
The machines will not take Flex Points so students who want to use the machines must open Domer Dollar accounts with Food Services.
"Flex Points are part of a meal plan and they're funded by Food Services," said Tina Durski, card services manager of Food Services. "To use Flex Points to wash your socks probably doesn't go [together.]"
Although the new vending machines have been running for only a week, Winter said once students become aware of the Domer Dollar vending machines, they will appreciate the convenience.
"I think it'll be a great service once it gets going," said Winter.
All News Stories for Thursday, September 28, 2000
