Blackboard’s BbOne program will now be managing the University of Pittsburgh’s off-campus merchant network, which allows students to use their campus cards to make cashless purchases at shops and restaurants approved by the university.
University Transfers School-run Program to Blackboard to Expand Network
Washington, DC – The University of Pittsburgh has selected Blackboard Inc.’s BbOne program to expand its existing Panther Funds off-campus merchant network. Through the Blackboard BbOne program, students are able make safe, secure, cashless transactions at university-approved, off-campus shops and restaurants with their student identification (ID) cards. Since transferring their program to Blackboard, the University of Pittsburgh’s off-campus merchant network has expanded significantly, with forty-seven area stores now accepting Panther Funds, including Starbucks, Brueggers Bagels, Cold Stone Creamery and Qdoba Mexican Grill, among others.
With the addition of the Blackboard BbOne program, the University of Pittsburgh now licenses the complete Blackboard Commerce Suite™, a package of three enterprise software applications supporting cashless transactions on-campus, off-campus and online and allowing for identification and security access.
A core part of the Blackboard BbOne program features an aggressive outreach effort by Blackboard employees, in partnership with the University, to potential merchants who might be interested in participating. Through Blackboard BbOne, participating merchants gain access to student funds, program marketing, and the convenience of easy acceptance. Merchants receive support 24 hours a day, and fund reimbursements daily by direct deposit.
“Our rich urban environment provides experiences for our students that extend from nearby cultural and retail locations to locations throughout the city of Pittsburgh. It’s especially exciting to offer students the convenience and flexibility to make purchases with Panther Funds at such a variety of off-campus locations,” said Joseph Phillips, Assistant Vice Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh. “This is a great benefit to the members of our campus and business community. We look forward to continuing to expand this program.”
“We are delighted to help the University of Pittsburgh grow its off-campus merchant program to provide greater choices for the members of its campus community,” said Michael Chasen, President and CEO of Blackboard. “BbOne is really a win-win situation for the local community and the school as it helps businesses attract customers and it provides students with greater security and convenience.”
Merchants interested in joining the BbOne network at University of Pittsburgh may call 800-576-9279 for more information.
About Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard Inc. is a leading provider of enterprise software applications and related services to the education industry. Founded in 1997, Blackboard enables educational innovations everywhere by connecting people and technology. Millions of people use Blackboard everyday at academic institutions around the globe, including colleges, universities, K-12 schools and other education providers, as well as textbook publishers and student-focused merchants that serve education providers and their students. Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/cr80news-4.gif)
