OneCard Tips
Purpose of the OneCard
While Fall 2003 marked the official launch of Bearkat OneCard Services, the OneCard program evolved through a collaborative effort between University administration, faculty, students, and the Huntsville community. With the program fully underway, it makes sense to review the purpose of the OneCard program.
Single ID Card System – A number of ID card formats have been used at SHSU in past years. Many of these ID types still exist on campus. Some use social security numbers, some use student ID numbers, some use either of the two with additional sequencing. None of these past cards really permit advanced usage through magnetic card readers, indeed only a few legacy cards can be read in any format. The Bearkat OneCard program brings the entire campus body into a single, easily-recognizable card program which standardizes around ID numbers and moves away from the dependency on social security numbers.
Campus Access: traditional and non-traditional – Most of us think of an ID card in its traditional sense, a piece of plastic you show at certain locations that permit access. Traditional card uses include campus dining, library, and recreational sports among other uses. A OneCard, using magnetic encoding, permits SHSU to move beyond traditional access. As an example, over time the OneCard will be used for building and parking access. This will cut down on the number of keys needing to be issued (and carried) and will even allow the OneCard to help with campus parking concerns. This is one of two areas in which the OneCard program allows SHSU to use today’s technology to control tomorrow’s costs! Additionally, through the www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com profile, card holders can manage several ID card functions (card loss, shipping addresses, etc.).
Financial Aid Refunds – Bank transactions are not free and paper checks cost SHSU a lot of money to process. With the Bearkat OneCard, SHSU gains access to electronic deposit for financial aid and other University refunds. Further, card holders now have control of how they receive their University refund payments. Refund payments can be received as direct deposit to existing banks, to the new OneAccount, or paper checks can still be sent by mail. Paper checks will take 7-10 business days and a $10 fee will be charged. The direct deposit to OneCards and bank accounts options are free to students. The ability to provide electronic deposit of refunds reduces operating costs for the University while improving convenience for students.
Additional Student Services – The Bearkat OneCard provides all card holders access to an optional checking account, the OneAccount, provided by Bearkat OneCard partner, Higher One. Through the OneAccount, OneCard holders can use their card as a check card wherever Master Card is accepted worldwide. Further, OneAccount holders have quick access to their account balances and transaction history through their www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com profile.
Community Integration – The Bearkat OneCard, through the OneAccount, provides a unique opportunity for Huntsville businesses to provide rewards for OneCard holders. Through the OneRewards program, Higher One can coordinate with area merchants allowing these merchants to establish reward levels for OneCard users. The reward points generated through these purchases can be redeemed by the OneCard holder online through their www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com profile for a variety of merchandise, paraphernalia, and promotional materials. While the Huntsville community has traditionally provided outstanding service to the SHSU community, the OneRewards program takes it up a notch, providing innovative opportunities that strengthen the bond between SHSU and Huntsville.
Unlike Aggie Bucks or other "discount" cards, the SHSU Bearkat OneCard provides technologically advanced options for our users. The real Power of One is the impressive scope of the Bearkat OneCard!
Bearkat Express or OneAccount?
There is some confusion between using the Bearkat Express and the Higher One OneAccount when paying for meals on campus. Both are accessible using the OneCard.
Bearkat Express – Part of the meal plan system provided through Residence Life. This is a stored value system where purchases can be made at any of the ARAMARK dining facilities located on campus (Paw Print, South Paw, Café Belvin, etc.).
OneAccount – Student checking account that is accessible wherever MasterCard is accepted and from any ATM machine.
When a student visits any ARAMARK dining facility on campus, they potentially have the option to pay using Bearkat Express or the OneAccount. It is very important to tell your cashier 'Bearkat Express' if you are paying with your meal plan or 'OneAccount' if you are paying through MasterCard (you sign your name to a receipt). Meal plan funds through Bearkat Express can only be used by you; OneAccount transactions can be used if paying for yourself and/or guest.
ATM Usage
The launch of the Bearkat OneCard has created more ATM access and choices for the SHSU population.
Advice on Fees – If you are conducting your ATM transaction at an ATM that is NOT owned by your bank it is common for both your bank and the ATM owner to charge fees.
| ATM locations on campus |
| Location |
Owner |
| Academic Building One – First Floor |
First National Bank of Huntsville |
| Campus Post Office |
First National Bank of Huntsville |
| Lowman Student Center – First Floor |
Higher One |
| Newton Gresham Library – Main Entrance |
Higher One |
| South Paw Dining Facility |
Higher One |
Bearkat OneCard Information – If you are using a Bearkat OneCard, remember to select Checking Account as the account type. Your PIN will be the PIN you entered during activation of your OneCard.
University Refunds
The Bearkat OneCard has created more flexibility for SHSU students receiving various types of refunds from SHSU. This OneCard Tip examines the refund options currently available.
OneAccount Deposit – This option places the refund into the OneAccount, the optional checking account which can be attached to the OneCard. Funds received in this manner are available to the cardholder immediately.
Direct Deposit – This option places the refund into any bank account designated by the card holder (Chase, BankAmerica, First National Bank of Huntsville, etc.). An authorization form, which provides bank account and routing information, is required. The form may be completed on-line, printed, signed and mailed to Higher One. The Bearkat OneCard office will assist you in printing the form and will also fax the form directly to Higher One to provide faster processing. Funds received in this manner are usually available two business days after SHSU makes the refund payment.
Check by Mail
– This option authorizes Higher One (not SHSU)
to cut a refund check in the cardholder name. Higher
One then mails this check to the primary address listed
on the www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com
profile for this cardholder. Funds received in this
manner are available seven to ten days after SHSU makes
the refund payment.
In any event, the two electronic deposit options (OneAccount or Direct Deposit) provide fast access to funds and allow cardholders to receive refunds without having to wait in lines at the Coliseum or the Cashier’s office or go to the bank to make a deposit. As an example: students with their Direct Deposit refund options setup can apply for their financial aid online, register for classes online, apply their financial aid to their tuition online, and receive their financial refund electronically into their existing bank accounts.
Cardholders can view their current financial refund selection by logging into their www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com profile, selecting account, and then selecting financial aid refunds. The Bearkat OneCard Services office is available to assist every cardholder in selecting the refund option that works best for that cardholder.
Why Activate?
Some card recipients have asked 'why activate' if they're only intending to use the OneCard for ID purposes. This OneCard Tip notes several important things occurring during activation:
- Confirming receipt of the OneCard . Information you provide during activation confirms that the OneCard you received is the appropriate one for you.
- Creating your web profile with www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com . This site is where you report a card lost/stolen, select and modify refund options, set mailing address for future OneCards, and activate and manage the optional OneAccount.
- Setting your refund preference . For students, university refunds are paid through Higher One. Your receipt preference is managed under Profile in Financial Refunds. More information regarding your refund options can be found at http://www.shsu.edu/onecard/tips.html#tip4 .
- Optional activation of the OneAccount . The OneAccount is a checking account made available by Higher One to all card holders. You are under no requirement to activate the OneAccount, although a number of features and benefits (such as the OneRewards program) involve using the OneAccount.
The Bearkat OneCard has a number of uses and cardholders will have their own individual mix of features active on their OneCard at any given time. The OneCard itself must be activated though, even if it will only be used for identification purposes.
To activate the OneCard visit the www.bearkatone.higheroneaccount.com website, select ' Enter the Secure Site ,' and then follow the activation instructions. Bearkat OneCard Services is happy to assist cardholders with the activation of their OneCard and selection of preferences appropriate to that cardholder. |
