By Gustavo Dias Juliani, Staff Writer
Newman University Stops Using Cash: What Students Need to Know
If you have tried to buy a ticket to a basketball game or popcorn at the concession stand, you have probably noticed something different compared to last year. As of Jan 1, 2026, Newman University is officially a cashless campus. This means that paper money will not be accepted anymore at campus events or in campus departments.
Nicole Brown, Newman University’s controller, said that the change wasn't driven by a major problem but rather was intended to make transactions on campus faster and safer.
"Handling cash is a manual process that takes up staff time," Brown said, adding that staff members previously spent a lot of time counting money and taking it to the bank.
Accepting only digital payments via cell phones or bank cards helps the university reduce the risk of loss or theft of money. Plus, she said, digital payments are easier because they automatically create a record, which helps the small finance office team save time.
From now on, cash will not be accepted at Newman athletic events or fundraisers. Any ticket purchases or donations also will require the use of an electronic payment system.
A few places will still be able to accept cash, including the Student Accounts office, the Institutional Development office, and St. John’s Chapel, which will still be able to accept cash tithes and donations.
Brown said that students who have trouble using the online payment systems can go to the Student Accounts office in the Sacred Heart building, room 205, or send an email to studentaccounts@newman.edu.
Freshman Matheus Moreira said that the change won’t affect him much.
"I almost never carry cash, so paying with my cell phone or card anywhere is easier,” he said. “But, it may affect other people who have the habit of using cash."
Brown said that she knows that the change may take some time for people to get used to but said she has noticed that fewer people carry cash these days anyway.
Photo, Courtesy Unsplash
