Bengal Cards are potentially one of the most useful tools given to students upon admittance to Idaho State University. All full-time and part-time students at ISU are issued Bengal Cards at the start of their time at ISU to verify their enrollment status. These cards could be considered a student’s “key to campus” as they grant students access to a number of facilities and resources.
As more and more locations on campus implement Bengal Cards, it has become increasingly important for students to carry their cards with them at all times.
Most recently, the Bengal Theater began requiring Bengal Cards mid-way through last semester.
“A machine tells us if people are current students,” explains Michon Vanderpoel who works as an usher at the theater.
“It basically [prevents] people from taking advantage of what is supposed to be a perk of being a student,” she added.
The perk that Vanderpoel referred to is the free admittance to movies granted to current students at ISU.
Alumni, faculty and staff pay $1 to be admitted while all others pay $2.
If moviegoers do not have their Bengal Card, they must pay full price as there is no way of looking up a student number to verify their status at the university.
The Bengal Theater does not accept credit or debit cards at this time and can only accept cash.
“Most people have been receptive to the new policy,” said Vanderpoel. “It’s just a new policy that some people will need a little time to get used to.”
Vanderpoel said she considered the implementation part of creating consistency on campus.
Bengal Cards also grant students the use of Eli M. Oboler Library, after-hours access to the Rendezvous Complex, access to dormitories, access to Reed Gym facilities, check cashing privileges at the cashier’s office or bookstore on campus, access to resources at the Wellness Center in Reed Gym, services at the Student Health Center, events put on by the Student Activities Board, and other reduced-price services, activities or resources.
The Bengal Card is even useful for non-ISU events taking place on campus. For example, the Pocatello Film Society, which shows films at the Bengal Theater, offers a discount to students carrying their Bengal Card.
Students are issued their first Bengal Card for free at Bengal Card Services. This card is valid throughout a student’s career at ISU as student status is updated electronically on the orange strip on the back of the card.
If your Bengal Card does not work or is ever lost or stolen you should contact Bengal Card Services, located on the second floor of the Pond Student Union Building next to the on-campus branch of ISU Credit Union.
They can be reached at 282-3618 during regular office hours. For after-hours losses, contact public safety at 282-2515.
A “lost card hold” will be placed on the card so that unauthorized use does not occur. You will be notified if your card is turned in.
Replacement cards cost $15.
The current Bengal Card gives students the ability to use their Bengal Card as their student ID as well as having the potential to be used as a MasterCard debit card with ISU Credit Union via the Bengal Card Plus.
See the nearest branch of ISU Credit Union for more information or to set up an account. Anyone associated with ISU is eligible to become a member.