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One small card is supposed to change the way students at Cleveland State University function daily. The CSU Vikingcard is being marketed as the most functional card in a student's purse or wallet for the upcoming school year and beyond.

The Vikingcard has replaced the old CSU identification card as the official identification card for all CSU students, faculty, and staff. At least 6,500 of the approximately 16,500 CSU students have already received their new cards. The old CSU identification cards have been invalid since June 30, and temporary cards were issued for those students attending CSU for the summer semester.

Students can use their new cards for a variety of functions including identification, electronic cash, meal plans, vending and banking machines, the bookstore, parking, RTA rides and long distance phone calls.

PatriciaL. Hupcey, Vikingcard manager and CSU graduate, has been an employee of Cleveland State University for seven years. She began working on the Vikingcard project last October. She and five other students work in the permanent office of the Vikingcard, located in University Center-Room 272B. She says the card is a result of the need of CSU "to go cashless" and to improve the old system of identification with a new, cutting-edge, multi-purpose system that is cost compatible.

Hupcey is part of a committee that was formed to work on the Vikingcard project. The committee consisted of 16 representatives from various departments including the Bursar's Office, the Financial Aid office, the Office of Student Life, and the Police Department. Two students were also included in the planning. Hupcey describes the committee as "a good representation of the whole university."

Members of the committee attended a NACCU (National Association of Campus Card Users) conference in April 1998 to learn more about the technology. CSU sent out bids and seven companies responded. After extensive research and comparisons, CSU chose a company called Cybermark.

Hupcey says the committee was impressed by how well Cybermark's plan worked at Florida State University. Thirteen schools across the nation are currently using cards with the same technology.

This technology includes a computer chip in the Vikingcard called a smart chip that makes it possible to make financial transactions without cash. Cash value can be added to the card at various machines around campus and is called VikingCash. The card user selects a pin number when the card is issued. This electronic cash will be accepted at all dining facilities, vending machines, the bookstore, and can be used to make copies in the library.

Students will need to show the Vikingcard to use facilities such as the library and the computer room that previously did not routinely ask for identification. A swipe of the magnetic stripe on the back of the card will serve as identification and will give access to the student's Huntington Bank account.

Huntington Bank offers checking accounts to faculty and students through the Vikingcard. There is a 16-digit account number on the front of the card under the student's identification number. Hupcey says that the committee sent out RFP's (request for proposals), and Huntington Bank's proposal was accepted. "The banking service is optional," says Hupcey. "It's another convenience the Vikingcard offers."

Huntington Bank will put an access office in the University Center, across from Panini's, in August. With this service the Vikingcard can be used at almost any ATM.

Beginning in fall 1999, students will be able to pay for daily parking at some parking lots with their Vikingcards. Hupcey explains this would cut down the instances of parking attendants getting robbed, and she says this is an example of another convenience the Vikingcard provides.

This fall CSU students and faculty will be able to use the Vikingcard on selected RTA routes, eliminating the need for a separate RTA card.

Hupcey says more uses for the Vikingcard are anticipated such as long distance calling rates and checking out books at the library. She is enthusiastic that off-campus companies such as The Rascal House and Panini's are considering accepting Vikingcards. She says, "Down the road I hope that the Vikingcard will be used for a variety of off-campus services.

Hupcey and the other committee members were honored at the 1999 NACCU conference this April in Orlando, Fla., for having the best marketing materials for their card. The committee met in June, and will continue to monitor progress of implementing the Vikingcard.

Hupcey, as Vikingcard manager, says she and her five student employees will have their hands full as freshman orientation begins in July for two weeks and more than 200 law students prepare to start school. Hupcey says about her experiences with the new Vikingcard, "So far, so good."

Students can receive their Vikingcards by bringing a photo ID and copy of registration to University Center- Room 272B. There is no charge for a card, but card replacements cost $20. The Vikingcard office is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number is (216) 875-9888.

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