SGA considers ATM in U.C. after students show interest

By Christina Sanchez
Staff Writer

The Student Government Association and Business Services are currently investigating the possibility of installing an ATM in the University Center. There is a lot of research to be conducted before any decisions are reached.

The original concern of bringing an ATM into the University Center started with students and faculty wanting to swipe their ATM cards at Bert’s. This was taken under consideration and decided against because the bank charges for every transaction and Bert’s would end up losing money.

Students all over campus are now voicing their desire for a new ATM in the UC. It would be beneficial to everybody.

“I think it’s [getting an ATM] a good idea for a number of reasons. For extreme weather conditions such as ice or snow people won’t have to stand outside to get money. Also I think that people will feel a lot safer walking indoors to the new ATM,” said Freshman Brandon Twiford.

SGA President Nadean Hafner is in the process of gathering information to get an ATM. She said, “It would be an easier way for students to bank without having to go to Lumberton...Also, you can get money for food for Bert’s and the cafeteria.”

The location would be very convenient. Numerous people go through the University Center everyday.

During Pembroke Day the SGA conducted a survey to ask students which bank they would like to have if we were to get an ATM. The unanimous vote was BB&T.

Director of Business Services Ed Schempp put contacting a BB&T representative on hold until he has done all of the research and obtained the background information needed in order to make that contact.

“The initial investigation is still in the preliminary stages and will take a little longer to complete,” said Schempp.

Safety issues seem to be the main concern for this ATM. In the meantime the SGA did fix the lighting around the current ATM. Chief David Helton was also contacted and said that there have been no reports of incidents or problems around this ATM.

If the University were to get an ATM in the UC, safety measures would have to be taken.

“The ATM’s are equipped with their own cameras, but I would think it might be a good idea to focus a camera or two on the immediate area if there was an ATM indoors,” said Helton.

At the moment the cost of installing an ATM in the UC is unknown. Although Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Diane Jones did say it may be significant.

“I think that it’s [getting an ATM] is worth pursing if that is something the students want,” said Dr. Jones.

It may not be until next year that we get the ATM. Hopefully if we get this ATM it will be the start to getting other ATM businesses on campus.

“We want to start having more ATM’s from major banks so that students won’t have to pay the fees,” said Hafner.