Businesses have said Colonel card usage off-campus has decreased, while use of the Colonel card off-campus remains low. Allison Ayo, director of student ID card operations, said in 2002 the deposit of colonel card usage was $54,000, but it doubled last year to a $100,000 deposit. According to Ayo, about 1200 students are currently using the Colonel card on campus.
One reason Colonel card use has increased on campus could be convenience. Tranese Jones, government sophomore from New Orleans said, “Using the Colonel card is more convenient than using cash or writing checks. If you don’t have any money, you have the Colonel card and it’s cheaper because you don’t have to write checks.”
Although Colonel card usage has increased on campus, it has not been on the
rise for campus businesses that accept the Colonel card. Textbook Rentals, located on Goode Street and Coffee Table located on Audubon Ave. have both experienced a low percentage of students using their Colonel cards at their businesses.
Melissa Trahan, manager for Textbook Rentals, said approximately 10 people used their Colonel cards to purchase books for this semester.
“That’s more than last semester,” Trahan said. “They are moving up each semester.”
According to Gordon White, manager at the Coffee Table, Colonel card usage has been low and he hopes that it will grow. White said, “We think it’s (using the Colonel card) a real asset for students to take advantage of and have good pastries and coffee off of.”
Students might not take advantage of off-campus use of their Colonel cards because of its new features. The newly added features for the Colonel card include use at the concession stand in the gym at basketball games, use at the new sandwich shop Subconnection and use at the new convenience store, The Convenient Center.
“The new convenience store is really a life-saver for a late night snack,” said Terris Batiste, general studies senior from Vacherie. “I like the new convenience store, but it’s a little expensive.” Subconnection and The Convenience Center are both located next to the recreational room in La Maison du Bayou apartments.