UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 2, Page 1
September 9, 1993
New FLEX account convenient way to use campus services

     Flex-ability is the keyword for the University of Delaware's new UD1
FLEX account plan for students, faculty and staff. The service can be
accessed by a UD#1 card, the multi purpose ID card issued to students and
staff.
     To open an account, a user deposits a minimum of $100 the first time,
with a $25 minimum deposit thereafter, and then can use the card instead of
cash for purchases of goods, food and services across campus. The account
stays in effect until a person closes it, graduates, or leaves the
University, at which time a full refund of the balance remaining in the
account is made.
     The University Bookstore, box offices, dining halls, convenience
markets and other locations marked by signs saying "UD1 FLEX accepted here"
are part of the FLEX system (see list on next page).
     According to Barbara Kreppel, assistant vice president for
administrative services, the use of a UD1 FLEX account on campus is safer
than cash and less trouble than credit cards. Each time the account is
used, the balance is reported to the user, so that keeping track of funds
is easy as well.
     "Use of the UD1 FLEX account and card streamlines and simplifies
financial transactions. Parents and students both have been receptive and
enthusiastic about the plan," Kreppel said.
     The initial effort has concentrated on enlisting students. Bill Spear,
assistant director of dining services said 1,202 freshmen, 336 sophomores,
233 juniors, 132 seniors, 31 graduate students and 13 non-degree students
have FLEX accounts. "We were able to explain the plan to incoming students
and their parents, at freshman orientation during the summer," he said, and
a large number of freshmen signed up."
     Later in September, information and application/deposit forms will be
mailed to faculty and staff, inviting them to take advantage of the new
plan. If desired, payroll deductions can be used to support UD1 FLEX
accounts.
     The UDine plan for faculty and staff will be phased out and become
part of the UD1 FLEX account system in the near future, according to
Richard Bowman, associate director of Dining Services. "Money in UDine
accounts will be moved to UD1 FLEX accounts with no minimum amount
required," Bowman said.
     Resident and non-resident students who sign up for one of 16 meal
plans also can use their FLEX accounts in University dining halls to
augment their meal plans if they wish, Bowman said.
     The new FLEX account system has been well received by customers at the
University Bookstore. Paul Hanke, director, said that in the pre-semester
period, the FLEX option was used about 30 times per day and provided faster
and more efficient service than the use of personal checks.
     The Perkins Student Center main desk also has the FLEX account system
up and running, according to Chris Murphy, assistant director of the
center, and the system is working smoothly. Last year, students wished to
use meal plan points at the desk and were unable to, but the new system
will allow them to use FLEX accounts.
     According to Kreppel, plans also are under way to expand the service
so that the card can be used for library copiers, laundry and vending
machines and for other services on campus. Eventually, practically all
services on campus will be able to be paid for by UD1 FLEX accounts. The
only thing it will not be good for is cash withdrawal, she said.
     UD1 FLEX account is accepted at the following campus locations:
     
        * University Bookstore at Perkins Student Center and Wilcastle
          Center
        * Box offices at Bob Carpenter Center and Mitchell Hall
        * Student Health Center dispensary
        * Public Safety traffic office
        * Art lab printers at Recitation Hall Annex
        * Perkins Student Center Main Desk
        * Student Services Building (cashier and student telephone
          services)
        * Kent, Pencader, Rodney and Russell dining halls
        * Concessions at Bob Carpenter Center, Delaware Field House and
          Delaware Stadium
        * Convenience markets at Christiana, Harrington and Rodney
          residence hall complexes
        * Snack bars and fast food locations across campus
        * Restaurants (Amber Lantern, Blue & Gold Club, Board Room, and
          Faculty Dining Room)
                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure