Bakersfield College students haven’t been able to have their student identification photos taken because the company that creates ID cards has gone out of business.
Problems with the GADES cards have been occurring since this summer, according to Andrew Bickers, director of student activities.
“Since receiving the announcement about the company going out of business they have been researching different options,” he said.
Bickers said he hopes college officials approve a new vendor soon so the Associated Students of Bakersfield College can begin producing cards within a month.
“This is affecting students now,” he said. “They are unable to get an ID card. Key situations on campus like the library and computer lab have come up with other ways to service the students during this time.”
The cards are required for checking out books, but the library is issuing temporary student identification cards. Students can work on computers without an ID card, but must either e-mail the work home to be printed or pay cash for each print in the BC library.
“I hope we can produce ID cards for those that don’t have one very shortly. It is an unfortunate situation that we did not expect,” he said.
In the meantime, students are relying upon other forms of ID in place of the GADES cards.
“It can be a hassle not having a GADES card in some situations, but in most situations you can use your ID or driver’s license,” said student Nacoyia Henry.
Student Audra Austin said printing without the card is the problem.
“I can use my driver’s license instead, but I do need a GADES card,” she said. “The only way I can print things is by going in the library and paying cash using my driver’s license.”