IDBucs, ETSU’s ID card system which allows usage of ID cards as debit cards with no balance or expiration, may soon be accepted at some local restaurants.
CBORD, the parent company for IDBucs who designed the system software the service runs off of on campus, is in the process of signing contracts with local vendors.
The CBORD Group, according to their Web site, is a leading provider of software used various services utilized by college campuses, included campus and cashless card systems, food and nutrition service management, and nationwide student discount and off-campus commerce programs.
A grouping of possible merchants will be contacted by CBORD, a strong marketing plan will be set in motion, which will inform students and staff of the new system, and finally, merchants will sign contracts after negotiations.
Other universities, such as Vanderbilt and Ole Miss, have similar programs, which Charles Forrester, director of the ID office, said, “are doing well by contracting through outside vendors.” By doing well, Forrester is referring to any amount of money going toward ETSU’s operation budget.
CBORD provides percentage deals with merchants, so any percentage remaining through profit or commission may go toward holding down the cost of tuition and money provided to ETSU from the state of Tennessee.
This applies to other services around campus such as Coke machines, dining facilities, anything money-wise. “Every bit helps,” said Forrester. However, it is ultimately at the discretion of merchants to determine just how much percentage can be discounted through use of the new system, and some, unfortunately, may reject the offer altogether.
Forrester would not divulge who has expressed interest, but states that the target date for the first group of merchants to contract with ETSU is Jan. 1, 2009.
Evan Thomas, a junior and English major, said, “This will be good for younger underclassmen coming in next semester. It will enable students to branch out. It would be a shame if someone tried to take advantage of the system in a negative way though. They need to understand; it’s a collective effort and would reflect other students if such a thing happens.”
As for alcohol and tobacco, the deals that will take place strictly prohibit the discount of both.
Gavin Black, a freshmen majoring in environmental health, said, “This is a good idea. If someone is short on cash, they’ll have a back up. The only bad thing is the possibility that restaurants may wind up with money troubles with the situation as it is. It will be great to get around town instead of eating the same food here every day.”
For more information on CBORD, you can visit their Web site at: http://universities.cbord.com/about/.

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