By Megan Walsh, Special to The Chronicle
The official Hofstra card policy changed for the 2010-2011 school year, requiring students to pay up to $50 each time a card is lost. Prior to this year, students paid a flat fee of $10. According to Hofstra Card Services, the new regulations state that the card replacement is now $10 for the first offense, $25 for the second offense and $50 for all remaining offenses.
“This is a major security concern when there are several lost IDs hanging around campus,” said Muhammed G. Nazli, Director of Hofstra Card Services. “We have Over 12,000 students each semester and close to half of them loses their card at least once.”
John O’Malley, Assistant Director of Public Safety, confirmed that these card losses are very common for students.
Two students employed to swipe residents in and out of residential buildings, Tyra Miller and Kelley P. Howard, both agreed that losing cards are a real problem. “People lose cards consistently,” said Miller. “A lot of students here are careless.”
At the same time, many students acknowledge that this card policy will make them think twice before they act thoughtlessly with their ID cards. “I’m definitely not losing my card,” said junior Marissa Priest. “It’s a good incentive to not lose your card”.
Freshman Ben Moyer had a similar reaction. “I think it encourages people to be more careful with their cards, but the increasing prices can really add up,” he said.
Although money is a concern for many students, Linda O’Malley, Dean of Students explained that the increase of prices is to accomplish a safer environment. “It’s not to collect money,” said O’Malley. “We want students to think twice.” She went on to explain that with lost cards lying around is a major safety concern for the entire campus.
According to both O’Malley and Nazli, there does not appear to be any immediate end to the policy. “We are always trying to improve our service and enhance the security and safety of our campus access,” said Nazli.
