Salt Lake Community College made a major change to its ID cards earlier this semester.
Thanks in part to a new deal with MasterCard, SLCC began issuing new OneCards to all students enrolled in at least one class. In addition to being the official SLCC school ID, the OneCard can also be used as a debit card and a discount pass.
Taneth Gray, who assists students with their OneCards, says the transition has gone well after technical issues caused a delay.
“At first, there were a lot of hiccups because production of the cards got screwed up,” he says. “We got them on the first day [of] classes instead of the week before … but currently I haven’t heard a whole lot of complaints.”
SLCC students can pick up their new ID at any OneCard station. Any student who still has the older Discover Card can exchange it free of charge.
“Sometimes if there’s a photo from a previous card and there’s not a hat or something then we can just keep that same photo,” says Nate Chrysler, a OneCard station worker. “Otherwise, we take a brand new photo of them when we make the card.”
The OneCard connects to two different services. The thin magstripe accesses the new Money Network account, which can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted.
“When you get your card you have to wait 24 hours and then call the number right below it,” Chrysler says. “Then this becomes just a debit card with MasterCard.”
The thicker magstripe accesses the SLCC Bruin Bucks account, which can be used most anywhere on campus, including cafeterias, bookstores, computer labs and the Lifetime Activities Center. Students who load money into Bruin Bucks can receive campus discounts; amounts may vary by service or location.
The OneCard also works as a discounted UTA pass. In addition to UTA services, SLCC students can use their ID to get more discounts at local businesses.
“A lot of times, student discounts are outside the school as well,” Gray says. “Arcades often have student discounts; theaters, things like that. You use your card to get those student discounts.”
Abravanel Hall and The Leonardo Museum are some other examples of places that offer discounts. Students should always ask a place of business if students receive a discount.
Visit the nearest ID Center or the Campus Card Office at Taylorsville Redwood Campus to learn more about the OneCard.
