Indiana State University Newsroom

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Indiana State University faculty, staff and students now have more dining choices, thanks to a value-added enhancement to the school ID card.

Blue Bucks, a declining balance account tied to the school ID card, gives patrons the ability to make purchases at participating off campus merchants in addition to the on campus capabilities of the ID card. Cardholders can get started by visiting the Dining Services Main Office or calling 812-237-4138 to make dining as easy as swiping a card. Deposits can be made on line at http://www.isubluebucks.com/index.html .

In addition to making purchases at on-campus locales such as the Commons, Library, Bayh College of Education and the Student Recreation Center, ISU ID card holders will be able to use Blue Bucks to make purchases at off campus businesses such as Coffee Grounds, the Saratoga, Roly Poly, Papa Johns, Exotic Thai Cuisine, Hardees, Pizza City and 7th and Elm.

The new program, which began this semester, is the result of a collaborative effort between Indiana State, Sodexo Dining Services and Off Campus Solutions, in an ongoing effort to improve and broaden the campus experience.

"Blue Bucks gives faculty, staff and students added flexibility and convenience in terms of dining," said Sue Sluyter, ISU Dining Services general manager. "Blue Bucks users don't have to worry about stopping by the ATM, charging food on their credit cards, carrying cash, or that the dining hall is closed, you just need your school ID to make a purchase."
Another attractive option, according to Sluyter, is that unlike credits Blue Bucks do not disappear at the end of the academic year.

"Unused Blue Bucks will roll over from semester-to-semester and year-to-year," Sluyter added.

There are currently eight off-campus businesses participating in the program, but Sluyter sees that number expanding.

"We would love to see that number grow to include a wide range of eating establishments," she said, adding faculty, staff and students can request their favorite places to be added by emailing info@offcampussolutions.com  .

Blue Bucks accounts are available to all ISU ID card holders. Call 800.345.6126 or go to www.ISUBlueBucks.com  for more information.

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Contact: Sue Sluyter, ISU Dining Services General Manager, 812-237-4138

Writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications & Marketing, 812-237-3783 or paula.meyer@indstate.edu