The Flexibility of Flex

With the distribution of Columbia’s new ID cards set for later this month, the much-anticipated move to allow students to use Flex points at local establishments has taken a major step forward. Now that the University has removed Social Security numbers from the cards, negotiations with neighborhood businesses are underway. Student Services is currently working with the Columbia College Student Council and the Engineering Student Council to determine which restaurants, grocery stores, and other establishments will accept points. The program will undoubtedly enhance student life. However, in order for off-campus Flex to truly serve the needs of the campus, the student body must have a voice now and the administration must be open about all its dealings, pursuing businesses based on student preferences.

The Student Council hopes for off-campus Flex options to be available by spring break, while Student Services projects the final end date to be April 1. It is essential that both organizations agree on an efficient timeline and stick to it. The reformatting process has already dragged on for many years, and students should be able to enjoy the benefits of off-campus Flex as soon as possible. For the process to go smoothly, students and administrators must thoroughly discuss the needs and feasibility of various decisions. To solicit student feedback, the councils are currently considering the distribution of surveys in which students would pick their favorite Chinese food restaurants or grocery stores. The surveys must be distributed as early as possible to ensure that a broad range of student voices are heard throughout the proceedings, and the results should be made public.

Off-campus Flex is to designed to make services and products that cannot be purchased at Columbia more easily available. Aside from the obvious convenience, the endeavor is important, as it will force on-campus eateries to improve their quality if they want to keep students coming back. The University must be sure to select businesses that not only fill niches, but increase competition for student business. The most important businesses will be those that serve the greatest student need such as the post office and Book Culture bookstore--where many students are required to pick up text books.

While student concerns are essential, the administration should also work with business owners to make sure that off-campus Flex benefits local businesses. While Columbia will take a percentage of every dollar spent off campus, the University must establish a reasonable policy that encourages stores to sign onto the program. Both administrators and student leaders must work with community members so that off-campus Flex benefits not only those within Columbia’s quad but in Morningside Heights as a whole.