New uses for magnetic stripe cards on campus are dwindling, while smart card applications are just beginning to emerge. They want to be known as top of the line. For now, most campuses with smart cards are thinking small, as in small change. Rather than fumbling in their pockets for coins, students can pop their student ID card into campus laundry machines, photocopiers and vending machines, then the value of the item is automatically deducted. If they can use the card to get a snack or soda or to get something to eat, they're happy.
Students like to go pretty light.
They don't like to carry a lot around with them. That way students would be able to load money on their ID cards from their banking accounts. That's already happening at the University of Michigan , which has had a smart card program since 1995. The cards can be used at 345 locations on campus and at 85 off-campus stores and restaurants as well. Students will soon be able to pay by smart card at 68 pay phones around campus.