This month, Chartwells began distributing a drink punch card for the coffee shop in Moffett Library that serves Starbucks coffee as an incentive for students who come in often. After purchasing five drinks, the punch card allows for students to receive their sixth drink free.

Jared McNeely, Starbucks barista, said, “This is our second semester in this location, and we wanted to do more specials for the students.”

Last month the coffee shop provided a happy hour from 7-8 p.m. during which time the drinks were half price.

McNeely said, “This month, because we are shortened for spring break, we decided to carry our promotion for this month into the next month as well.”

Gabby Browning, special education freshman,  said, “The punch cards make me want to spend more money, because I have to use my flex dollars in order to get the free drink.”

Punch cards can be used for all hot and cold drinks.

 Browning said, “I like the fact that at the end you get a free drink, but getting to that free drink is the problem. I have to spend four times as much to receive one free drink.”

A sign for the promotion is posted at the front entrance of the library for students to see.

McNeely said, “Although happy-hour brought in traffic, it was only heavy during that time period. Whereas, with the punch card, students can use them throughout the day, and with midterms we have been even more busy.”

Browning said, “I only have one punch so far, but I am working toward receiving more. I’m going to buy the cheapest drinks, that way when I receive my fifth punch, I’ll get the most expensive drink for free.”

Starbucks’ employees are expecting the punch cards to provide more business as well as encourage students to buy more drinks

McNeely said, “We kind of underestimated the punch cards and only received one box. A few people have already finished their punch cards and are already wanting more.”

Punch cards are available March 1- April 30.