Guide for Parents
Welcome to the Guide for Parents. The following is a brief overview of the functions and services related to the SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card, designed specifically for parents/guardians.
About the Card
The SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card is one card with many options. The card not only functions as a student ID, but it can also function as a campus debit card, library card and it provides access to campus buildings, computer labs, printing and laundry services, meal plans and the card can even be used for discounts.
Student Identification Card
The SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card prominently features students' eight-digit University identification number. The student ID number (sometimes referred to as Banner ID number) is printed in red on the front of the SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card. Your student will require this number to access certain online and campus services.
Campus Debit Card
The SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card can also function as an optional pre-paid campus debit card. This allows your student to make purchases at participating on campus locations as well as select near campus merchants. Parents don't have to worry about credit interest charges or the possibility of overdrawing the account. Students don't have to carry cash around campus, they can simply swipe. There are no fees for the Hoot Loot account and account balances will decline with each purchase your student makes. The Hoot Loot debit account can be used year-round and balances carry over from semester to semester, year to year, and the account is protected if reported lost or stolen.
Not Available for Cash Withdrawal
Students are not able to withdraw cash from their Hoot Loot account. Funds deposited onto the Hoot Loot account can only be used at approved on campus and off campus locations. The use of Hoot Loot to purchase alcohol, tobacco or firearms is also prohibited.
Estimated Student Expenses (per semester):
| Estimated Expense | Minimum Cost | Optimum Cost |
| Textbooks and supplies | $375 | $600 |
| Vending (snacks, laundry) | $50 | $100 |
| Printing/Copying | $5 | $10 |
| Restaurants/Take-out | $70 | $150 |
| University Apparel | $25 | $100 |
| On-campus entertainment | $25 | $50 |
| Miscellaneous | $50 | $90 |
| TOTAL | $600 | $1,100 |
Financial Aid
Students can utilize excess funds from their financial aid award, including most loans, grants and scholarships, to add money to their Hoot Loot account. This allows students to purchase textbooks and supplies prior to the start of the semester. Students can fill out the electronic Financial Aid Request Form to transfer excess funds to their Hoot Loot account.
Meal Plan
Students participating in a meal plan will use their SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card to make purchase from on-campus food services. Their card is used to debit meals from or meal money (Food Loot) at Connecticut Dining Hall, the Adanti Student Center Food Court, campus convenience stores and coffee shops (including Dunkin Donuts). Commuter student meal plans are also available for those students not living on campus.
Student Discounts
Southern student can have access to over 15,000 discounts, around New Haven and throughout the United States by adding a Student Advantage discount membership to their SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card. With Student Advantage, students save on the things they buy every day. Using their SCSU Hoot Loot ID Card with Student Advantage, students get discounts on everything from school supplies to movie tickets and even save 15% on Amtrak and Greyhound fares.