By Brittney Bruner

Every freshmen stands in line at least once to have their picture taken on the lower level of the Houchen’s building.

And as a first year undergraduate, they have to get used to that picture because it will be attached to their name and their ultimate survival on U of L’s campus until they graduate.

This is the student’s Cardinal Card, their identity and their main source of dependability while roaming the halls and walkways of the University of Louisville.

A freshman learns early the importance of the Cardinal Card and its necessary means to their survival as a college student. The Cardinal Card not only displays a mug-shot of the student, but also holds their meal card balance, identification number, their means for checking out laptops and books from the library, as well as their gateway to a number of discounts in Louisville.

Despite its value, it isn’t uncommon for students to lose their Cardinal Card at least once, though many exceed that number quickly.

“I’ve lost my card about five times if not more,” said senior accounting and finance major Joey Skidmore. “But I just went and bought a new one. It’s pretty easy and cheap to replace, just don’t lose it too much.”

And because of all of its advantages and the accessibility to purchase a replacement, it is important to keep the Cardinal Card close.

“I’ve used it at the movies for the student discount,” said Skidmore. “But mostly I use it for gym entry and as a second form of identification in bars.”

A number of discounts can be used with the Cardinal Card at various locations throughout the community. Some of these include 10 percent off online purchases at Target.com, up to $2 off admission into several movie theaters in the city of Louisville, and 10 percent off purchases at the campus bookstore as well as Barnes and Noble. Others can be found listed on the university campus card Web site at www.louisville.edu/admin/humanr/staffdev/discounts/.

Besides all of the necessities and advantages in which the Cardinal Card provides, it is essential for identification on U of L’s campus. Many professors require that students bring their Cardinal Card in so that they can identify them for regular exam or final evaluations. The computer labs in the library also mandate that students show their Cardinal Card before accessing the technology.

“I have my Cardinal Card on me at all times,” said Sarah Bishop, a freshman psychology major. “I use it constantly whether I’m printing papers at the library or just buying food at the [Student Activities Center]. I would really be lost if I didn’t have it.”