Dear UHD Students,

For Fall 2006, the University of Houston – Downtown has partnered with Higher One, Inc., a financial services company focused solely on higher education, to bring to you a new ID card, the Gator Card. The Gator Card will be the official UHD ID and will be more than just a means of identification; it will offer students a new method of refund disbursement. 

Beginning Spring 2007, financial aid and tuition refunds will be disbursed to students by utilizing the new Gator Card. Students will use the card to choose one of three refund delivery methods: Easy Refund (direct deposit to a new free checking account and debit card), an electronic transfer to an existing bank account, or a paper check. The choice is yours.

If you choose the Easy Refund, your Gator Card will function as a MasterCard Debit Card that is accepted by over 24 million merchants worldwide. Cardholders can get cash from ATMs, write checks, send and receive money electronically from their accounts, and monitor the details of their accounts online. 

The new Gator Card will be mailed directly to the address you have on file with the University. It is critical that you verify your mailing address by signing on to Student E-Services, “My Personal Data”, and updating your information. Also, if you do not have a current UHD ID card, please visit the Office of Student Activities and Events (S204) to have your photo taken. 

We are very excited about this opportunity to provide students faster service and a choice on how they wish to receive their refunds. We encourage you to share this information with your classmates; we need your help in getting the word out to everyone.

Sincerely,

Ed C. Apodaca
Vice President for Student Services & Enrollment Management