Your Princeton ID card can now do more than just get you into your dorm. The University recently announced a new program called Paw Points, which allows students to use their ID cards for student agency services, photocopies in the libraries and purchases at the U-Store and participating off-campus merchants.
Paw Points is a pre-paid, declining balance account tied to the ID card, said Stu Orefice, head of dining services. Students or parents can put money in the account by sending a check to the University or using a credit card through the Paw Points website.
The Paw Points program — part of a larger Campus Card Initiative that began in 1999 — aims "to make it easier for the student . . . so they can carry one card and take care of a lot of their transactions," Orefice said.
USG representatives on the Dining Committee offered input about creating Paw Points and were supportive of the program, USG president Nina Langsam '03 said in an e-mail.
"Students have wanted a one-card system for years — now we can finally use our prox cards for photocopying and buying food," she added.
Some students, however, were skeptical of broad student participation in the program.
"It seems highly unlikely that students who are spending lots of money for meal plans on campus are going to spend money on Paw Points," said David Silver '04.
So far 235 students have signed up, Orefice said.
Another student questioned the need for the new program.
"I think Paw Points are dangerous because there is no exchange of money, so I would probably spend a lot without realizing it," Peter Landwehr '06 said. "Also, I have a debit card, so I don't feel that there's much need for it."
Managers at town businesses participating in the program — including Abel Bagel, the Annex Restaurant, Olive's Deli & Bakery and Panera Bread — expressed enthusiasm for the program. They said they hoped the added convenience would draw new customers.
"We thought that it would be a great opportunity to help out students and at the same time to increase business, to bring in students who might not otherwise come here," said Dale Allen, a manager at Panera Bread.
Aside from convenience local merchants are looking for ways to tap into the student body for new customers.
"It's instant advertising with the University," said Rich Carnevale, a manager of the Annex Restaurant.
(Natasha Degen contributed to this article.)
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