Miami University students can expect to get more bang out of their buck if they participate in the MUBucks program this year.

MUBucks, which began in 2003, allows students to make deposits into a debit account that can be accessed with Miami ID cards. The money can then be used at participating businesses uptown, including restaurants like Bagel and Deli and La Bodega.

"This year Wild Bistro and Luna Blue are two new additions," said Josh Staton, who took over the business last year. "Kofenya is back on the list again as well after not being on it last year."

Several restaurants closed during the summer, Staton said, such as the Alexander House. This was one of the reasons they wanted to add new restaurants to the list of participants, Staton said. He said he tries to add businesses based on student interest.

"Last year a lot of people also sent e-mails about what they wanted added on," Staton said. "A lot … really wanted Wild

Bistro. We'll take anybody, we just go with whatever a lot of people want."

The goal of the MUBucks program is to eventually get all uptown businesses to participate in the program, Staton said.

"We're trying to get Kroger too," Staton said. "It's just easier for

students if they don't have to carry around everything else. They can just take their I.D. cards with them."

As far as the economy goes, Staton said MUBucks has not seen a decrease in the number of students using the program.

Lucinda Coveney, director of housing and meal plans, also said it doesn't appear spending on meal plans has gone down.

"I can't say exactly what the numbers are right now since we wait until things settle down before getting a formal report," Coveney said. "But it seems like the amount spent on meal plans is very consistent from semester to semester."

Coveney added MUBucks is a good option for students because it makes spending money in local businesses more convenient.

For sophomore Corry Holliday, who uses MUBucks, the convenience is the main appeal of the program.

"It makes things so much easier since I don't have to be carrying multiple cards," Holliday said. "What I have when I go to class, my I.D., is all that I need even if I go uptown. I also love that they added Kofenya back because it's a great place to go."

For other students though, MUBucks isn't worth the extra time.

Sophomore Monica Hickey said she chose not to participate in the program.

"It always seemed unnecessary because it's the same as using a credit card or money," Hickey said. "I just don't see the point. And I don't know which restaurants are on it and which ones aren't."

For students considering using MUBucks, a list of the restaurants and businesses that accept MUBucks can be found at http://www.mubucks.com.