The recent decision by University Printing Services to eliminate COP-EZ cards has received mixed reviews.

Students who have visited any University Library within the past month may have noticed COP-EZ cards are no longer valid and have been replaced by BUCK-ID for photocopying.

The decision was made by COP-EZ centers because of a concern that fraudulent copy cards were being used and illicitly obtained on campus. Because of this concern, students cannot have COP-EZ balances transferred to BUCK-ID or have the money refunded.

In a letter written to Deborah Gill, director of University Printing Facilities, the Council of Graduate Students said the council was not properly notified of the conversion.

“While it was pointed out that signage was posted at various locations on campus and the CABS buses, many graduate students never saw these announcements,” the letter said. “For instance, no apparent effort was made to contact students who were off campus during autumn quarter.”

CGS also expressed concern that some students who carry large balances on their cards will soon lose access to those funds and said these students should not be blamed for the illicit activity of others.

“The council understands COP-EZ Centers’ concern with fraudulent COP-EZ cards and the need to ensure photocopies are not being illicitly obtained on campus. Nevertheless, the council believes that the burden of proof should lie with COP-EZ to demonstrate that a COP-EZ card has been illegally tampered with, instead of assuming that every student carries a fraudulent card, as is currently the case.”

Kareemah Wilson, a junior in criminology, also disagrees with the decision.

“I have two cards, one with $17 and one with $10 on it. COP-EZ could’ve given students at least a year’s notice or let me transfer the balance to my BUCK-ID. I couldn’t possibly use $27 in two months,” she said.

However, not everyone was dissatisfied with the decision.

Katie Meyer, a sophomore in business, said the conversion to BUCK-ID was convenient.

“I think it’s a great idea for on-campus students. You don’t have to remember to carry a second card; and I can use the same card in the dorms and for everything else,” Meyer said.

Brent Darby, a junior in sociology, also said he prefers to use BUCK-ID.

“I like it because if I need to photocopy I can just log on to the Internet and deposit money on my BUCK-ID,” Darby said.

Gill was unavailable for comment.