Sam Houston State Partners with Higher One

Sam Houston State University and Higher One, the leading financial services company serving Higher Education, are teaming up to provide SHSU students, faculty and staff what may be one of the best ID/debit card on a college campus today.

Beginning next fall, everyone at SHSU will be issued the Bearkat OneCard, the official University ID card, which will handle all existing ID card services and possibly others such as building and parking access. Cardholders will have the option of setting up an account which will also allow use of the card for traditional debit purchasing and banking transactions.

"The Bearkat OneCard is similar to but more functional than the cards in use at many universities throughout the United States," said James F. Gaertner, SHSU president.

"We are delighted with Dr. Gaertner’s vision and the OneCard solution," said Thelma Douglass, vice president for student services. "The partnership with Higher One is an innovative approach to serving our students, faculty, and staff in many on and off campus needs."

Douglass thanked and complimented all involved in the program’s inception. Based on the experience of other universities with similar though less inclusive cards, she looks forward to the Bearkat OneCard having a stimulating effect on the Huntsville economy as businesses use it in advertising and promotion.

"I applaud the diligent and dedicated work of the Bearkat Bucks Task Force, which consisted of faculty, staff, students, and community leaders," said Douglass.