CCSGA works to expand Gold Card further into Colorado Springs community

Photo: Ben Mackall

Photo: Ben Mackall

The ubiquitous Gold Card that CC students are required to have is no longer just to be used to enter buildings and buy food with an on-campus meal plan. Students can also choose to use it as a debit card that works at a rising number of off-campus restaurants including Hunan Springs, Poor Richard’s, Rasta Pasta, Jimmy John’s, La’au’s and Wooglin’s Deli.

Increasing attempts are underway to try to expand the use of the Gold Card to include other locations, and possibly other types of businesses as well. The Colorado College Student Government Association (CCSGA) has launched an effort in collaboration with the Gold Card office to find more businesses that want to cater to the card. 

“Mainly, CCSGA’s role is to find out what students’ opinions are, and then let the Gold Card office know,” said sophomore Becca Spiegel. “[That way] the people working on this project can do their best to take students wants and needs into account as they expand the list of merchants that accept the Gold Card for payment.” 

Spiegel set up a Facebook page for Colorado College students to discuss the possible expansion of locations that take the card. She is also a liaison with the Gold Card office, helping to bring a voice to the student body on possible changes.

On the Facebook page, students are asked to give their opinions on what stores should be added and how the Gold Card should be expanded off campus. 

“I would love the 7-11 at Cache and Nevada to be on the Gold Card, if we could work that,” said freshman Kate Vukovich. “Delivery would be nice too. And maybe a real grocery store, like the Safeway on Wahsatch or the King Soopers.”

Such lofty plans, however, may be immature. There have been complaints this year that the Gold Card has not worked to pay for laundry, though it is advertised to do so.

“A good plan would be to maybe make sure that it works on campus first. It hasn’t worked for laundry in Slocum all year,” said sophomore Lincoln Peek. “Maybe fixing that stuff before we get ambitious would be a good idea.”

Yet the idea of expanding the use of Gold Cards has an appeal to those who frequently visit local businesses off campus. It would offer more opportunities to students and encourage them to get off campus, while promoting local businesses in Colorado Springs.

“At this point, I cannot say which restaurants are likely to be added, or when,” said Spiegel.  “It all depends how willing the restaurants are to work with the Gold Card office.”

All students can do is wait and add input on possible locations that might benefit the student body if they accept the Gold Card. CCSGA emphasizes that students must put their opinions forth in order to allow the addition of more businesses.