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News

Plastic option briefly halted

Investigation opened into cause of card-acceptance problem

Cougar News Staff

The University Center and UC Satellite dining vendors were unable to accept credit and debit card transactions Wednesday and Thursday because of a Blackboard software malfunction.

Blackboard processes all credit and debit card transactions on campus via computer from a remote location. They manufacture several software programs to assist universities across the United States in processing financial transactions.

"We're working with the vendor, which is Blackboard, to get the problem fixed," Jackie Mitchell, Cougar1 Card manager said.

Mitchell said the software problem is related to the calculations made at the end of the business day. Students, faculty and staff were able to use credit and debit cards by 4 p.m. Wednesday, but when the vendors opened Thursday, the software was malfunctioning again.

The credit and debit card machines were back in operation by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, but officials said the specific problem has not been pinpointed.

"Hopefully by the end of (Thursday), I'll know exactly what the problem is and why it's taking so long to be fixed," Mitchell said.

Meal plan transactions were not affected by the software glitch and the University Bookstore did not experience any credit or debit transaction problems. 

Music performance junior Mike Grauvogl said the downed system was inconvenient for students. 

"I was annoyed," he said. "I usually carry enough cash, but it's still preferable to have all your options open."
 

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