Off-Campus Flex Use Is on the Horizon for Columbia Students

Starting as early as next semester, Columbia students may be able to use Flex points at local businesses to pay for food off campus.

As the University replaces the ID cards, administrators are working with off-campus eateries to implement the use of Columbia Flex points to provide students with a more versatile eating schedule, and, often cheaper food.

“The first step has already been taken,” said Columbia College Student Council representative Joey Goldberg, CC ’10. “The new CUIDs don’t have social security information on them, unlike the previous ones, so they can be used off-campus without revealing any important information.”

The next step, according to student council members, is to ask businesses that students patronize most to install swipe boxes for CUIDs.

The proposed Flex point plan would allow students to eat according to their own schedule. Columbia’s on-campus dining schedule makes it hard for Muslim students during Ramadan. “Because none of the dining options are open early in the morning, students who fast for Ramadan after sunrise aren’t able to eat anything. This is a big issue for Muslim students,” said Zayd Sifri, CC ’11 and one of the vice presidents for Turath, the Arab Students’ Organization.

The initiative would also make it easier for students to take a break from John Jay and Hewitt. “It will give us a little variety,” Nicole Rahmanan, CC ’11, said. “And, we’re in New York—we have the city, why not use it?”

Some students favor smaller restaurants above the larger chains. Joey Alvarado, CC ’09, said. “I’d love to see Roti Roll on Amsterdam take Flex dollars. It’s good and cheaper than the food on campus.”

“The Hungarian Pastry Shop on Amsterdam is my favorite,” Baya Yantren, CC ’11. “It has an ambiance that’s unlike anything on campus. When I’m there I forget that I’m in the city. Everything on-campus is so rushed. It’s like they’re saying: ‘take your food, and don’t smile.’”

Other students said they simply want the essentials. “It would be nice if we could swipe our cards at Westside Market or Morton Williams, because then we could actually get groceries,” Jenni Vettel, CC ’11, said. “People could get their cereal, snacks, and things that aren’t necessarily sold on campus.” Lisa Hogarty, executive vice president for Student and Administrative Services, has said that Morton Williams is one of the venues where Columbia hopes to implement Flex.
Kyle Boots can be reached at news@columbiaspectator.com.