Bison One Card Enhances Student Experience

This year, students can get more use out of their ID cards, now known as the Bison One card, which convert a meal card, ATM card and laundry card functions into one.

A task initiated by the Howard University Student Association in 2009 and approved in 2010, the Bison One card has officially been launched for the 2011-2012 academic school year.

"We launched this new idea because we are passionate about enhancing and improving student life experience at Howard University," John Tatum, director of the Bison One card office, said.

 The purpose of the One Card is to allow students to use their IDs to make purchases at all campus dining locations, some vending machines, laundry machines, the Howard University Bookstore, certain retail and dining establishments such as Sports Zone, Manny & Olga's, Yes! Organic Market, Howard Delicatessen, and CVS. To use the card and Bison Bucks--the currency students add to ID cards-- students must log on to www.Managemyid.com, fill out their student ID information and register their card into the system.

"We wanted every student service to be rendered through your ID," said Brandon Harris, current HUSA President. "It's basically something that a lot of students want."

George Washington, Georgetown University and other surrounding area schools already have similar systems in place. With these models in mind, Tatum and his office personalized the system for Howard students' needs.         

"We're aiming for a cashless system allowing the students to deposit funds directly online with any of their credit cards," said Tatum, "and the good thing is their families and friends may log on to the website and deposit money for them as well."

This online system allows students to view transaction history, add a credit card, make a deposit and print balances and account statements. The Bison One Task Force, the team that HUSA appointed to handle card affairs, has considered safety precautions in the event that a student loses their card. Students may report a lost or stolen card online which will immediately deactivate the account. A $25 dollar reactivation fee will be issued if a student finds their card.

Kristin Tellis, a sophomore legal communications major, is thrilled with the new changes.

"I think this is a great idea for Howard. Most of my friends at George Washington have this system, and I see the benefits," Tellis said. "I anticipate this year being a great year, and this is definitely the way to kick it off."

"We've been receiving ideas and concerns from students and that is a big help to shaping efforts in phase two," Tatum said.

During phase two planning of the Bison One card, Tatum, and HUSA  intend to expand its reach on campus and the accessibility of this system in the community. Goals to use Bison One card as a method of payment for parking on campus, graphics and printing, Howard game tickets and more restaurants are being implemented.

Angel Mills, sophomore broadcast journalism major, is a bit hesitant but glad the effort has been made.          

"I hope this card works because I will hate for complications to happen because Howard is known for mess ups with new programs," Mills said. "But I am glad that Howard is stepping its game up and keeping up with the times."

 Tatum encourages students to submit feedback and ideas to onecard@howard.edu.