New CSULB cards bring up concerns

By Maya Yamane, Special to the On-Line Forty-Niner

Tuesday, November 24, 1998

The issuance of the new Cal State Long Beach identification card has raised pertinent questions regarding purpose, convenience, necessity and funding, said Robert Hayes, CSULB political science professor.

"In general ... ID cards should be without private gimmicks," Hayes said. "These matters should be carefully considered. After all, with so much money involved, the potential for abuse is ever present."

In a recent memo, Hayes expressed his concern to President Robert Maxson, who responded with assurance that the matter will be thoroughly reviewed.

Tom Enders, assistant vice president of Enrollment Services is preparing a response that will detail the history of the project.

"The entire process took about 10 minutes," said Ana Tintocalis, a CSULB senior. "There were about 30 people on sight helping students get in and out quickly."

The project itself has been in existence for several years, Enders said.

Prior to AT&T's winning a formal bid to buy the system, several companies were competing for the bid.

A contract was finalized in April 1997.

Enders said the new cards are necessary because the technology of the current cards is outdated and its software is no longer sold.

The new cards, which go into effect Jan. 4, 1999, will allow access to university systems and services via the new value transfer stations.

These stations enable cardholders to add cash to their cards, check their balances and debit money from their prepaid accounts. Students will also be able to access their student records.

Three value transfer machines have been purchased thus far and will be located in the University Library, the University Student Union and the University Bookstore.

The machines were bought as a package at a discounted price, Enders said.

The re-carding program is a systemwide change, but each individual campus has the option of participating.

Cal State Sacramento, San Francisco State, Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State Fresno have implemented the new card system.