Proxes usable for buying textbooks

Students will be buying textbooks in a whole new way next semester at Labyrinth Books. After filling out a course slip and receiving the books from Labyrinth staff, students will be able to pay with their proxes.

Since last month, Labyrinth Books and the Nassau Street U-Store have been accepting payment via Paw Points, which are stored on students' proxes, and Tower Cards, which charge costs to academic departments, University Services General Manager Paul Breitman said. Labyrinth also accepts student charge through prox cards.

The old U-Store and U2 Convenience Store will also accept Paw Points after renovations to the University Place building are finished next year. Neither will accept student charge as a payment option, however.

USG president Rob Biederman '08 said he is "extremely pleased that the TigerCard will be accepted for purchasing books," but added that he is disappointed that students will not be allowed to use the charge option at the U2.

"I'm disappointed with the University's rationale," he said. "I think that U2 merchandise is essentially the same as that available at the Frist [Campus Center] convenience store, where student charge is accepted."

Breitman defended the choice not to allow prox charges at the U-Store, saying that "the decision to allow Labyrinth to take student charge but not the University Store is because books are perceived by the University to be essential to the academic mission." He also drew a distinction between the two operations; the Frist convenience store is run under the auspices of Dining Services while the U2 is not.

USG vice president and president-elect Josh Weinstein '09, who has worked with the administration on expanding the Paw Points program, praised the new options. "I'm really excited with the current developments," he said, adding that he will continue to push for further expansion of the program "to allow students to use their proxes at restaurants on Nassau Street and at vending machines."

Discussions between the USG and the administration began in spring 2006, Biederman said.

"Impetus for changes has come out of discussions with Rob Biederman, Josh Weinstein and other leaders in student government," Breitman said. He added that discussions with students on future improvements to the Paw Points program are still taking place.

Carola Hernandez '11 said she will appreciate being able to use the money in her student account directly for book purchases. "Especially when it comes to scholarships, sometimes you end up with extra money in your school account," she said. "This allows me to put that money toward textbooks."

University Ticketing will also begin accepting Paw Points at ticket offices around campus next semester.

The Paw Point expansion will be complemented by an attempt to increase parents' awareness of the program, Breitman said. Toward this end, the administration is implementing a $250 opt-in for the purchase of Paw Points with each semester billing period, with the goal of "facilitat[ing] the conversation between students and parents about purchases," Breitman said. He added that the change will "eliminate the surprise that comes with the monthly bill."