CVS, the on-campus pharmacy located in The Commons, has decided to accept Campus Cash as a form of payment, making them the final business in the Commons to accept the UB currency.
Campus Cash, along with Dining Dollars, forms the basis for local currency at UB, by allowing students to carry money in card form with them at all times. The money may be spent at stores and eateries anywhere on campus.
Additionally, while Dining Dollars are restricted to use at selected locations -- such as Dining Halls, Putnam's in the Student Union, and a handful of eateries around campus -- Campus Cash may be used anytime and almost anywhere at UB.
Craig Chalifoux, district manager of CVS, was largely responsible for the additional means of currency. He said the program was "terrific," though CVS will bear some costs.
"It doesn't cost the students anything, it doesn't cost the parents anything, but the costs to retailers are substantial," he said.
According to Chalifoux, UB extracts four percent of any sales made through Campus Cash.
"We had some inquiries several years ago, but the cost was too prohibitive," said Chalifoux.
CVS is not the sole business that thinks accepting Campus Cash has a high price to pay through university fees.
Michael Lewkowicz, owner of the new Subway restaurant in the Commons, said Campus Cash has helped his business.
"In a university setting, you have to use and accept Campus Cash because that's where the parents give the kids the spending money," Lewkowicz said.
Although support for the service is widespread, Lewkowicz said it causes difficulties with business.
"The fee comes out of my profit margin," he said.
Lewkowicz suggested that although the profit margin may lead to elevated prices Subway has not increased its prices at the UB location.
Despite the cost, campus shops said they find Campus Cash to be a benefit to students.
"We did some studies on other businesses," said Chalifoux. "We haven't seen the sales yet, but we're kind of favorable toward it. The early indications seem to show it will be successful."
Employees throughout businesses in the Commons also noted the benefits of the program.
"It's great," said Tom Brunner, employee at Campus Pizza. "They want the students to spend money on campus."
Jennifer Massulo, employee at Campus Caf?(c) for seven years thinks Campus Cash should be accepted wherever possible.
"It's confusing to new students; they come in and think their Dining Dollars are good here," she said. "I think they should use Campus Cash all over the school."
Students residing in on-campus living quarters said they also find Campus Cash to be useful. Chris Jarkowski, a political science major, relies on Campus Cash on a daily basis.
"I have to balance my money, and my parents can monitor my spending," he said.
Dan Kotlewski, sophomore engineering major lives on campus and likes the idea of a campus money system.
"I think Campus Cash is a good thing," Kotlewski said. "It gives students some money that they can use how they want, but with less of a chance of them blowing it all and going hungry."
