Students who want full access to everything at The University of Memphis must have a key. That key is their student ID.
“You have to have the ID to survive,” said Connie Dunn, an employee in Student Affairs.
The student ID enables students to deposit any amount of money on the card and use it like a credit card. Tiger Bookstore, Tiger Den and The University Bookstore accept the student ID as a form of payment.
Students must also use their ID card to log onto The University computer system in the various computer labs and to check the amount of paper for making copies that is left on their account. Students also have to show their ID when checking out books at the library and also when making copies.
The ID is also tied to dorm security. Students open their dorm rooms by swiping their ID. The security system requires students to show the ID, an attempt to keep the number of students who don’t live on certain levels of a dorm to a minimum.
Students also receive benefits by using their ID card. A number of businesses and other places students might like to visit around Memphis offer student discounts. The IMAX theater, Malco theaters, Civil Rights Museum and the Brooks Museum are a few that offer discounts.
Restaurants around The U of M campus, such as Perkins, Pizza Hut and Garibaldi’s Pizza, offer students a 10 percent discount.
For students interested in theater, Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse will be showing performances such as “Nine,” “Book of Days,” “Peter Pan,” “Humble Boy,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Floyd Collins” and “Looking for Normal” this fall. Students attending these performances will be admitted free with their student ID.
“Basically, the student ID provides access where student status is required,” said Dr. William Porter, dean of students.
Athletic events such as football and basketball games also are free to U of M students when they show their IDs. In addition, music concerts on campus are free with the ID.
“I just took my student ID wherever I went and asked if I got a discount,” said Kim Stewart, a U of M graduate.
Even tattoos come with a discount at Memphis Tattoo Land, which takes $10 off on any tattoo and $5 off any body piercing if students bring their IDs. Stewart got herself a discount there, too.
“My parents were getting on my nerves, so I went and got my nose pierced,” she said.
