Law School using PENNcard debit system

MAC cards are not accepted at the Law School. And neither are Visa and American Express. But membership certainly does have its privileges for PENNcard holders. The Law School's ^ la carte dining facility, dubbed "Stern," now accepts the PENNcard for credit and debit purchases of food and drinks. Although Stern, which opened this week at the Law School's new Tannenbaum Hall, is primarily a cash-only facility, Law School students, faculty and staff can apply to have their PENNcards activated for credit or debit use, Dining Services Director William Canney said yesterday. And the installation of the software is just the latest step in the University's feasibility study of using PENNcards in vending machines and washers and dryers -- much like a copy card. A minimum deposit of $200 is required to establish a debit account, Canney said, and once approved through Student Financial Services, students may charge up to $200. Students owing outstanding balances to the University are not eligible for the credit service. Canney said Hospitality Services, which oversees Dining Services, the Faculty Club and the PENNcard Center, had to pay a "one-time" fee of $15,000 to update card-reading software to handle debit and credit transactions. The software was purchased from General Meter, the same company that provides the software for the PENNcard access systems installed in University residences. Eventually, local merchants could support a University-wide system where stores accept the PENNcard in addition to MAC and credit cards. PENNcard Center Director Frank Neithammer said, though, that the University has not yet committed to any such programs with vending machines or local businesses. "We have to make sure that the costs of making this service available are recoverable," he said. "Washing machines and vending machines would be the most expensive part." Currently, the University is making sure its vending machine contractor can handle a card system, Neithammer added. So far, Canney said, the program instituted at the Law School has only a couple of dozen users. He is optimistic, though, that the number of users will only increase. "Opening a facility in January, versus the fall, can have its drawbacks," he said. "But I am pleased with how it's going." Competing with close to 200 street vendors for graduate student dollars, Canney said his location and prices should provide a good alternative to the food trucks and stands. "Our busiest meal is lunch," Canney said, adding that he may extend Stern's hours between lunch and dinner. While relatively few students have jumped on the credit/debit bandwagon, they still think it has advantages. Law School student Hilary Siegel said she thinks the PENNcard system is a good idea. "But what Stern really needs is a second cashier -- the line is huge at lunch," she said.