The University Philosophical Society (the Phil) is to take a new approach to handling sign-up fees during Freshers’ Week with the introduction of a card reader at its stand.
On Saturday, the Phil allowed first years interested in signing up to the society the option of paying its membership fee with their debit or credit card at a societies fair in Trinity Hall (Halls). The Phil intends to continue its use of the card reader for the duration of Freshers’ Week.
Speaking to Trinity News, Phil President Ryan Grunwell explained: “Every year, we find many students simply do not have cash on them during Freshers’ Week, despite their wanting to join us.”
“This move was simply designed to facilitate such individuals joining the Phil,” he continued. The society is continuing to accept cash payments at its stand. The cost of membership to the Phil, which stands at €6, is to remain consistent “whether it is paid by cash or card”, according to Grunwell.
The card reader is to be used during the annual Freshers’ Fair during Freshers’ Week, which sees societies and other college organisations erect stalls on the cobbles of Front Square. Societies use the fair as an opportunity to recruit new members, who often receive a card which denotes their membership. However, membership cards are to be digitised this year in a move towards reducing plastic waste on campus.
Membership to a society typically costs between €2 and €6. Most societies offer membership on a one-year basis, while others, such as the Phil and College Historical Society (the Hist), offer membership which lasts throughout the student’s degree. Membership to a society typically allows the holder access to the society’s events throughout the year.
The Freshers’ Fair runs on Monday from 9am to 4pm, and on Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm each day.
