Chris Fulkerson, assistant vice president for administrative services and Janet Rauhe, manager of Phoenix Card Services, presented at the National Association of College Auxiliary Services national conference in Colorado Springs.
Chris Fulkerson, assistant vice president for administrative services, and Janet Rauhe, manager of Phoenix Card services, presented at the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) national conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Nov. 4-7, 2017.
Their topic, “Engaging Off-Campus Merchants Through Campus Card Systems,” described how Elon University engages more than 50 community merchants through its Phoenix Card system. Students utilize one card to gain access to their residence halls, enter dining halls, print and copy, purchase through vending, buy food at 12 on-campus restaurants, attend campus events, and pay for laundry.
When Elon students leave campus, they can shop at a grocery store, pharmacies, or clothing boutiques; relax at a spa; get caffeinated at a coffee house or eat at a wide variety of restaurants by carrying only their Phoenix Card.
Responses from Community Merchants regarding accepting the Phoenix Card:
“Overall, the Phoenix Cash program is very user-friendly and has a great deal of benefits considering the cost is very minimal.” — Rebecca Kinlaw, Lowe’s Foods
“Being a Phoenix Card merchant gives us access to the students in a more visible manner. Janet and her team offer the merchants opportunities to be front and center before the students, both at events, on the website, and in offering them coupons at certain times.” — Amy Nakhle, Smitty’s Homemade Ice Cream
“For The Oak House, this was a “no-brainer” because the vast majority of our clientele use Phoenix Cash regularly and they find it extremely convenient to do so in our location. We would lose sales without it.” — Phil Smith, The Oak House
“We accept Phoenix Cash because it allows us to stand out as a respected establishment to choose from. It also puts us in a category of locations that students otherwise might not frequent because of their ability to spend money.” — Peter Ustach, Pandora’s Pies
Student responses about Community Merchants:
“Using Phoenix Cash off campus is great because it helps me consolidate everything in my wallet. The same card that swipes me into campus buildings also pays for my meal, if I’m not dining at an on-campus location.” – Olivia ’18
“I love using my Phoenix Card off-campus because it means I only have to carry one card around!” – Kate ‘18
“I love using my Phoenix Card off campus! Combining my Wells Fargo account with my Phoenix card is the best because I only have to carry one card with me.” – Maddy ‘18
For more information about the Phoenix Card go to http://www.elon.edu/e-web/bft/pxcard/