Augustana ID cards now do more than prove Augustana student status. With the introduction of Viking Bucks, the Augustana ID can act as cash for students and open the door to VIP discounts.
First, though, a few problems must be cleared up.
In late July 2009, the administrators at Augustana implemented two new programs. The college contracted a new identification card company, New Vision, and began the Viking Bucks program with Off Campus Solutions.
This gave Campus Safety, Sodexo, administrators and local businesses just over a month to coordinate the program and work out any unforeseen problems. And, as with most new programs, there were plenty of unexpected difficulties.
Campus Safety updated cards for the entire Augustana community. And while that was happening, the Huddle, dining services and all involved local businesses installed the card machines to accept Viking Bucks.
Problems with the card readers not accepting the new IDs frustrated students who had Viking Bucks during the first few months of school. Other students felt there was a lack of advertisement about the program and weren't even aware of the benefits.
Junior Abbi Gerhart purchased Viking Bucks at the beginning of the year for her convenience, but experienced many problems. "If we're comparing the old Munch Money and Viking Bucks, Munch Money was much better," she said. But she's willing to wait for the improvements.
"Because we're doing it for the first time, there are going to be some problems," housing director Corey Kopp said. But the problems that plagued students first semester have been addressed, and administration seems hopeful that second semester will run more smoothly.
"The timing couldn't have been worse," dean of students Jim Bies said. Despite the earlier setbacks, he has been working closely with all involved to make the program run better.
"In the next week or so, we're going to be re-launching the program," he said.
The Viking Bucks Web site is being reconstructed to help clarify confusion with the program. In addition to the web renovation, new locations are being discussed. According to Bies, the bookstore will hopefully be accepting Viking Bucks in the near future.
Another new convenience to the program will be the addition of portal access to Viking Bucks accounts. "The portal will be best for telling you your balance," Carol Spillum, associate vice president for finance, said. Students will also be able to add money to their cards via the portal. For those concerned about Internet safety, Spillum adds that the business office will continue to accept payments in person.
Spillum has been highly involved with the process of implementing Viking Bucks, and she has a vision for Viking Bucks that would affect community members as well as Augustana.
In the future, Viking Bucks could be expanded to pay for laundry services on campus.
Community members could get ID cards loaded with Viking Bucks to attend football games at Kirkeby-Over stadium or to eat lunch with family members who attend Augustana. And for those staying around the Sioux Falls community, it is good to remember that Viking Bucks do not expire.
The possibilities Viking Bucks offer Augustana's campus are wide, but in the immediate future, making sure the program works properly is the top priority.
Each of the locations on and off campus that accept Viking Bucks fixed their card readers and now are able to accept Augustana IDs. Starting second semester, stores will begin offering Merchant of the Week or monthly specials exclusively for Viking Bucks users. This will give those with Viking Bucks special access to discounts beyond the general public.
One important fact to remember is that, like off-campus establishments, the Huddle and dining service in the Commons are businesses accepting Viking Bucks separate of the meal plans.
Despite the rough start, students are warming up to the idea of Viking Bucks, especially with the possibilities of expanded use.
"It'd be nice to buy a sweatshirt in the bookstore instead of a case of gum," sophomore Michelle Matthies said.
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