The University have announced plans to introduce a new student card for the 2013/14 academic year.
The new cards are of particular note for their inclusion of an expiry date – an issue that has long been a bone of contention between students and the University.
The move represents a U-turn from University administration, who have repeatedly rejected students pleas for a expiry date on the card, which would allow students to claim discounts in shops more easily.
The cards were changed less than two years ago when the ‘duck’ design was removed for a more professional looking card, but the idea of an expiry date was again shelved due to what the University described as “legal issues.”
A University spokesman told Vision: “The expected end date of a student’s period of enrolment will be printed on the University card of all new students joining the University in the 2013/14 academic year.
“This has been introduced in response to requests from students who wish to be able to use their university card as proof of their status as a current student to qualify for student discounts in shops and for other similar purposes.
“We are also investigating the possibility of giving the option to returning students to update their cards so that it includes an expiry date, though there are a number of technical issues to overcome before we can progress that.”
In addition to this YUSU President Kallum Taylor commented on the matter: “We’re really, really happy to say that this is finally going to happen. It’s one of the most common gripes which get from students, and for years now it’s been rejected year on year on very spurious grounds.
“For the fuss it’s caused it’s a tiny thing to bring in; initially we had some saying it was illegal – which was ridiculous as other universities have it.
“Thankfully the Uni have listened though, and from October 2013 this will benefit any student who, currently, can’t get their 10% discounts by proving that they’re still a student due to a lack of expiry date on their card.”