As locations accepting Dining Dollars dwindle, many locations are continuing to accept Bama Cash. Both are University-created currencies.

Dining Dollars serves as a type of gift card to in-house cafes and markets, while

Bama Cash serves as a type of debit card.

Although Bama Cash is more readily accepted at off-campus establishments, it does not have to be used by students. Instead, Bama Cash can be used as a form of debit card where students or their parents can go online and deposit money. It can be used at places such as Dreamland Barbecue and Applebee’s, to name a few.

“Looking back on it, the only time I ever used Bama Cash was when I needed to print something on campus,” said Amanda Petryzak, a senior majoring in human development and family science. “Other than that, I never used it because it is exactly like a debit card. There isn’t any reason or benefit to put cash on my ACT card when I could just put it in my bank account.”

Unlike Bama Cash, Dining Dollars have a far more selective market. Although the University requires $300 per semester be added into tuition fees to go toward Dining Dollars, the funds can only be used almost entirely on campus, even though the majority of UA students do not live in dorms on campus. Locations such as Lakeside Market, Julia’s Market and the Subway in Alston Hall are some Dining Dollar friendly establishments.

“I don’t know why they tack on $300 a semester to our tuition for Dining Dollars when they are basically useless outside of the overpriced on-campus markets,” Petryzak said. “It’s ironic that the one they don’t add money to [Bama Cash] can be used at a lot more convenient places like CVS.”

While both currencies are used with a student’s ACT card, some students believe having two separate systems isn’t beneficial.

“I use Dining Dollars more than Bama Cash,” said Layne Gernert, a freshman majoring in nursing. “I think you should be able to add money to your Dining Dollars amount because that’s what I use most, especially at Julia’s. The two programs could be merged. You don’t really need both.”

If Bama Cash funds remain in a debit account at the end of the year, the amount will automatically carry over to the next year. Requests for refunds are accepted each year between May 15 and July 1. If Dining Dollars funds remain in a debit account at the end of the year, the will automatically be applied to a Bama Cash account.

This year, UA and Aramark will generate more than $15 million through the Dining Dollars program.

Along with Dining Dollars, UA freshmen are required to purchase a meal plan for their first year at the University, while other colleges, such as the University of Georgia, do not require it.

While the additional money is controversial to many students, some recognize the benefits of having a meal plan their first year in a new place.

“I think the meal plans are a good think for freshmen who are new to UA living on campus,” said Claudia Argenti, a senior majoring in restaurant and hotel management. “However, I think they should have different options for the freshmen depending on how much students want to pay. Overall I think its pretty convenient and I definitely made good use out of it my freshman year.”