Accepted at more than 250 places on and around campus, TigerCASH has become a popular form of payment among students at the University.
“TigerCASH is a debit card system using your Tiger Card (LSU ID) to provide a fast, safe and convenient way to make purchases on and off campus,” the Tiger Card Office website says.
The page brags multiple times about the convenience of this fake currency.
While TigerCASH seems to be a convenient form of payment, it actually adds an unknown burden to students, all while helping the University make a quick buck.
You know what’s even more convenient than TigerCASH?
Real money.
Why is it if I need to quickly print something out at the library, I can’t simply swipe my debit card and be on my way?
Instead, I have to turn my real money into LSU money for it to be acceptable.
It also wasn’t until a couple of years ago that debit/credit cards could be used in the Student Union for meals — you either had to use real cash, Paw Points or TigerCASH.
The whole process seems frivolous and unnecessary.
TigerCASH also doesn’t allow students to learn the basics of responsibility and self control.
One of the big sells I heard during my orientation and throughout my freshman year was TigerCASH was a great way for parents to give their kids money without worrying they’ll spend it all on booze or Soulja Boy albums (Justin Bieber wasn’t around yet).
If parents are so worried about giving their 18-year-old money, TigerCASH isn’t the answer.
Don’t pay the 2.5 percent processing fee to magically transform real money into, essentially, Monopoly money.
Open a bank account, transfer the funds and monitor what Little Johnny or Susie is buying. If you don’t like what they do, cut them off.
Not only does this help the student build credit, it also teaches a maturing adult the responsibility of spending wisely and budgeting funds.
Another “huge” benefit TigerCASH supporters brag about is the ability to save 5 percent on all textbook purchases in the bookstore.
This discount occurs because when you (or whomever) paid the processing fee to convert your real money into fake money, the University no longer needs to deal with banking fees after your purchase.
Therefore, the TigerCASH user receives this “deal” to make his or herself feel better about being ripped off in the first place.
Instead of paying 2.5 percent to save 5 percent, buy your books from online retailers like Amazon — in some cases, you can save around 40 to 50 percent per book and can qualify for free shipping with Amazon Prime.
With TigerCASH, your funds are tied up until you graduate or withdraw from the University.
And at no point are you allowed to make cash withdrawals, according to the Tiger Card Office’s FAQ page.
Overall, TigerCASH is a huge joke and a giant waste of time.
There is absolutely no point in paying the University in processing fees and other nonsense when real world money would be far better.
However, because the University is doing such a great job allowing only TigerCASH in certain situations and limiting the opportunity for students to use real, big boy money, the frivolity will continue until something is done.
Should students rise up in revolution?
While that seems to be the common theme around the world right now, it wouldn’t be entirely necessary — although it may be fun.
Instead, simply stop endorsing this ridiculous notion, and maybe it will eventually go away.
Adam Arinder is a 21-year-old communication studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_aarinder.
 
 
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Contact Adam Arinder at [email protected]