"Free iPods!" "Enter a sweepstakes for money!" These cries were heard throughout the cafeteria on the first day of school as new and continuing students lined up for their brand-new student ID cards.
The De Anza College Student Body cards are new in design and function this quarter. During the first week of school, lines wrapped around the Fireside Dining Room where old IDs were exchanged for new IDs. For students who have procrastinated, the lines are now under the Hinson Campus Center, near the cafe.
The card can be used for discounts at various Cupertino stores and restaurants including, Taco Del Mar, Erik’s Deli Cafe, Subway Sandwiches, Carl’s Jr., Homestead Lanes, Coffee Society and Coldstone Creamery.
The card also features a smart money chip where students can deposit money for usage in the Open Media Lab, library and a few vending machines on campus.
More than 6,000 students obtained their card during the first two weeks of school and a projected 12,000 total will have their new card by the end of the quarter, said Casey Dick, special events coordinator.
"The old system had too much redundancy and was poorly organized," Dick said.
"Each card production station required three computers, three monitors and three keyboards. That was in effect for four years while EFM, Inc. ran the process. When we took over the system two years ago as far as production, we put everything on one computer, one monitor and one keyboard."
The transition has been very smooth, according to Dick. "We found that this card has a better system. It is faster and easier to produce and is less expensive than the previous system."
The old system took five minutes to produce one card, but the new system, with new capture technology, will take only one and a half minutes per card. So don’t worry; the lines may be long but they won’t make you miss lunch.
"The old ones didn’t work and never operated properly," said John Cognetta, director of student activities. .
"It didn’t take any more new money but just a little more thinking," Dick said.
The main difference besides a more appealing design is that the card will be updated automatically whenever it is used for the library or vending machines, when before, it did not contain information about whether a student was registered or not.
"The card has endless possibilities but it has to be phased in. Students have to be patient so we can get all the services on board," said Cognetta.
Services the card may eventually feature include network printing, voting for student elections, door entry, lab entry, meal plans, bookstore payments, and portals for students to check their balance, information and more.
"I think it is a platform we can expand and grow with," Cognetta said.
Students who are clinging to last year’s memory-filled cards will have to let go, since they will not be valid with the new system. Any leftover money will be transferred to the new card account.
Cards are free for both new and continuing students. Lost and expired cards can be replaced for a small fee.
Student Activities Admin-istrative Assistant Dennis Shannakian designed the card, that showcases De Anza’s architecture and landscape.
