Policy on PENNcard distribution changes

After paying $10 for a yellow PENNcard with an ugly picture of themselves on it, partners of University students and employees may expect to gain access to a myriad of privileges once denied to them. That list, however, is actually quite short, and several require the new PENNcard holder to pay much more than $10. This semester, University Student Health started treating partners with PENNcards, Student Health Director MarJeanne Collins said. They are charged a "reasonable" fee lower than that charged by the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Collins said. "They can come to Student Health and they will pay a fee for service," Collins said. "There was a need for spouses and partners to have a place to go [for health care.]" Collins said that "only a handful of people" have come in to Student Health so far. Spouses do not need PENNcards, but they must prove that they are married to University students, Collins said. All other partners need PENNcards, she added. The PENNcard also allows partners and spouses to gain access to Van Pelt Library whenever it is open, said library clerk Melissa Musick. However, only faculty spouses and partners are allowed to borrow books. Students' partners can purchase a borrowing card at the same $250 per year rate as community members, Musick said. The Recreation Department offers a lower rate to spouses and partners, $25 a year as compared to $275 for community residents, Director of Recreation Robert Glascott said. The fees charged for other services, such as locker rental, are the same or slightly higher than those for students. Spouses and partners with valid PENNcards can come in alone to buy membership, Glascott said. Those without PENNcards should come in with their partner and proof that they reside at the same address, he said. After buying membership, the spouses and partners are directed to the PENNcard Center where they can buy a PENNcard to allow them past the card-reader at the buildings' entrances. Glascott said gay and lesbian couples have had no trouble proving their relationships and that "if there is a problem I want them to come to me" so he can resolve it. And spouses and partners with PENNcards can use escort service at no charge whenever they want.

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