The Student Government Association recently announced that students can now use Tiger Funds at off-campus dining locations.
Garibaldi's, Domino's and Ubee's, all located near the campus, are the only three so far, but many others are looking to sign up.
Ricky Kirby, SGA president, said the University's original focus was the area surrounding campus, but they are willing to expand the locations pending the success of the program.
"We can't expect business to fork over money for technology and discount fees when were not sure it will work," Kirby said. "So this is sort of a trial period, but if it works then we will definitely grow the program."
U of M students have three types of payment methods attached to their campus ID.
The most common payment method is Dining Dollars. Students who attend school full-time have $300 on their accounts at the beginning of every semester. It is directly used on campus at Tiger Dining locations only.
When students buy a meal plan, they receive Flex Bucks that they can use at other dining locations and not just at the Tiger Den.
Tiger Funds is an account that every student has and that they put money in much like a debit card.
There are several ways for students to add money to their Tiger Funds account.
The most common method is to simply add the money into their account at Campus Card Online. With cash, they can visit Blackboard Card Management Centers scattered throughout campus or visit the Bursar's Office.
If a student does not use all of their Dining Dollars, they can roll over into the next semester or be personally refunded.
"Tiger Funds is the only account currently that we can feasibly use off campus," Ricky Kirby said. "If this program goes well, we will definitely look at other payment methods and certainly expand the options."
Kirby added that it might be hard for some business to make a leap of faith without proven results.
"We are willing to take this program anywhere, but before we put our money where our mouth is we just need to see that students really want this," Kirby said.
Kirby added that the positive benefits of the program might extend beyond the campus.
"This also helps our community as well," Kirby said. "A lot of people complain about the shape of the Highland Strip, and a lot of people complain about the areas around campus. The more money that the university utilizes in these programs the more that we can help build up that area. We can help invest in that area. This is a way that students can directly impact the area around the university."
