student IDs with a different look and that will provide new accesses around campus.

Janet McLeod, Rogers Library administrative assistant, explained that the newly designed

cards are the first step to the “one card system”. While changing to the new system, FMU

officials decided it was necessary to give the new ID cards a distinct look that would separate

them from the old ones.

The new cards sport more visual details.  Gone is the white backdrop and bare surroundings

of the previous student ID card.  It now has an image of the university’s front entrance with the

statue of General Francis Marion as the focal point.  The student’s picture is still seen as well as

their ID number.

In terms of text, the cards now have a larger, white font and a caption that identifies FMU

as “South Carolina’s comprehensive teaching university.”

Eventually, the cards will be used for more purposes than the previous ones, such as

vending and obtaining print copies.  Uses such as checking out books, Patriot Bucks and debit,

scanning for meal plans and building access are still applicable the with cards.

One student, Olivia Bishop, sophomore business major, said the system will be better for

students overall because it will be easier to keep up with a single card rather than money and

New students were the first to receive the IDs.  Returning students can bring their old cards

to the library and exchange them for new ones. Students may visit the library from 8:30-5 p.m.,

Monday-Friday, to do so.

It is necessary for students to have an ID, whether old or new, McLeod said, and students

should carry their IDs while on campus at all times.

“It’s important to have the card so the students have some type of information identifying

them as a FMU student,” McLeod said.

McLeod added that it is best for everyone, students and staff, to carry their IDs because

proper identification helps separate students and staff from visitors to the campus and other

people who may be nonmembers of the FMU community.

To help students obtain cards, they are given for free the first time.  However, if another is

needed, the cost is $15.  To prevent the loss of an ID, lanyards and keychain wallets are provided

in the Patriot Bookstore. Both new and old student IDs are applicable, and students do not have to get a new card each year of attendance.  The cards are reusable as long as they attend FMU.