New debit card may cause some confusion

A new dining alternative named the QuakerCard will be competing to serve University students this fall. Four Wharton seniors are the founders of the corporation University Student Services, Inc., which plans to provide debit card services in conjunction with 11 local restaurants. The meal plan operates seven days a week. During the past week, Dining Services and Penn Student Agencies have received dozens of phone calls from students and parents who mistakingly believed that the QuakerCard is University affiliated. Chris Cononico, John Guiljord, Matthew Levinson and Michael Vaughn conceived the idea for a management project but "took it way past the class," according to Cononico. The QuakerCard has been developed using the seniors' personal connections -- including parents and friends. "We have put all our money and time into this business," Cononico said. "It's like a dream come true for us." University students will be able to choose from five different plans that permit money to be deposited on the card, which can be used at designated restaurants. Students have the entire semester to use their balances and the remaining amount is entirely refundable. Money that is deposited by students will be put into a trust account with a Great Neck accounting firm. A mother of one of the founders, whose name would not be revealed, is an accountant at the firm. L. H. Romoff and is the trustee. "The QuakerCard is a completely reliable service, as will be proven in the months to come," said Vaughan. "The trustee account guarantees the safety of the customers' money." Cononico added that University Student Services is "like a family business." He explained that most of their parents are involved with stuffing envelopes. Billybob's, Genji, My Favorite Muffin, Cool Peppers, Smokey Joe's, Hong Kong Cafe, Domino's, Abner's, Chili's and Cosimo's Pizza are the current designated restaurants. Several other eateries at The Food Court and Wawa are negotiating with the corporation. Cononico said that the founders will respond to students' dining preferences. He added that the corporation name University Student Services, Inc. was not meant to mislead students or parents. Penn Student Agencies have received phone calls from parents who have confused the QuakerCard with the Student Advantage Card, which is a discount card for food, entertainment and travel. "PSA is in no way affiliated with the QuakerCard," said Summer Office Manager Elizabeth Scanlon. "Many parents have mistaken the dining service for an University sponsored organization." Dining Services Coordinator Adam Sheer reflected similar concerns. His office has also received phone calls from students and parents who believe the QuakerCard is sponsored by Penn. "Most people are disturbed when they find out the QuakerCard is not affiliated with Penn," Sherr explained. "We are receiving more calls everyday." Sherr does not believe University Student Services will significantly affect students' University meal contracts. "The card can definitely fill the weekend void," Sherr said. "But all the restaurants have been there before." General Counsel Shelly Green said there is a possibility that the University will investigate the corporation. She explained that when an item is presented to the public to create the false impression that it is sponsored by the University when it is really not, there could be a problem. "It would depend on how the information is presented -- whether they use the Penn name is not the only factor the court would look at," Green said. "If people are getting the wrong impression about a product, it would be of interest to the University." Cononico maintains that the QuakerCard is clearly not affiliated with the University. He adds that it is clearly a service to students for safety reasons. The office for University Student Services will be located in the Christian Association beginning in the fall. The founders plan to have representatives throughout campus during the initial weeks of classes. "This service is long overdue, and it is finally here," Vaughan said. "Everyone should take advantage of it."

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