The single ATM on campus has been replaced following the removal of the original one by a local bank. Despite being a convenient resource for students, many do not view the ATM as essential for their needs.
In October, the bank informed Ashlee Downing-Duke, Senior Associate Director of Campus Activities & Residential Engagement and Director of the Sullivan Student Center, that they would be taking out the ATM from the student center due to upgrades. The decision was based on financial reasons, with the bank stating that an upgraded ATM did not generate enough profit to justify its presence. As the sole ATM on campus, the bank agreed to keep it until the end of the semester.
The original ATMs at the university were provided by North Country Savings Bank, which had a satellite location on the third floor of the Sullivan Student Center. Although the bank served the public, it mainly catered to students and staff.
When North Country Savings Bank departed from the university, they left behind the ATM at the student center, making it the only one on campus. Despite the surprise that some students may feel about having a bank on campus, North Country Savings Bank valued its ties to the local community. However, the bank decided to remove the ATM due to insufficient profitability.
The new ATM, provided by Genmega, is now located on the first floor of the Student Center near the mail center. Its central location makes it a convenient asset to campus. Students often require cash for various purposes, such as fundraising events and purchasing goods and services on campus. Additionally, the ATM is useful for students who exhaust their dining dollars at the Northstar Café, one of the popular dining spots on campus.
Despite the advantages of having an ATM on campus, not all students see the benefits. Some students prefer digital payment methods like Venmo and Apple Pay, and find the ATM fees discouraging. As a result, the ATM may be more beneficial for employees and members of the community surrounding the university rather than students.
