Temple introduces students to Diamond Dollars, the university’s official campus currency, as early as their campus tours.
Owl Ambassadors boast the convenience of the one card that holds both entry into a classroom building and a student’s 7-Eleven grocery order for the week.
Diamond Dollars can be used in many different ways and at different locations around campus. They are a convenient way to make purchases because once students deposit money into their accounts, they don’t have to worry about carrying cash or credit cards with them.
Although it is comforting that Diamond Dollars are so accessible, they can become too accessible. One night out at the Draught Horse or Maxi’s can diminish a student’s funds in just a few hours. Most students don’t think twice about spending the money, and a lot of parents carelessly put funds into their children’s accounts, thinking that Diamond Dollars are used just for books.
Scott Brannan, director of the Diamond Dollars Office, said he talks to incoming freshmen and their parents whenever he gets the opportunity.
“My talk to parents is about being cautious,” he said. “I always recommended that they don’t put huge amounts of money into their child’s account at the beginning of the semester.”
Brannan said he also always explains to parents what Diamond Dollars can be used for.
“When we speak to them, we tell them that the bookstore is our biggest vendor, but we also always add in Starbucks, the Chop Shop, 7-Eleven and food places.”
Alicia Rizzo, a junior nursing major, said she has no problem spending her Diamond Dollars wherever she pleases.
“I spend my Diamond Dollars everywhere,” Rizzo said. “After three years of college, my parents finally realized that Diamond Dollars aren’t only used on school supplies, and now they hesitate to put [more money] in my account.”
Junior nursing major Liz Whiteman said she puts her own money into her account.
Although Diamond Dollars always seem to run out quickly, if students budget their accounts and check their balances regularly, it is not difficult to save enough to buy necessary school supplies throughout the semester.
“My parents don’t put money into my Diamond Dollars account,” Whiteman said. “They stopped doing that freshman year because they realized I was spending them on other things. I put my own money in now, so I’m more careful on how I spend them.”
Amanda Hill can be reached at amanda.sue.hill@temple.edu.
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