On the first day of the semester, a new ATM machine, provided by Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, became available at a more convenient area on campus.

Previously, the only ATM was in the bookstore. The new machine is located in the Campus Center.

“When books were going on, we had to wait in line to get to the ATM machine, so I think it’s great,” said student Doug Irby.

Don Turney, dean of students, was the first to use the new ATM. If you are a member of Kern Schools, there is no charge for a transaction.

The Student Government Association will get a certain percentage after 1,000 students have used the machine.

“We anticipate $300 to $400 a quarter for Student Government Association,” Turney said.

The Bakersfield College students benefit from having the ATM because the percentage of money given to the SGA will go toward helping students, Turney said.

“The money would be used for projects for students, for different things that the SGA wants to fund but doesn’t have the money to do it,” Turney said.

Since Kern Schools has a good relationship with Bakersfield College, and the need is there, it is a possibility that there will be more ATM machines on campus, Turney said.

“That’s contingent upon the use of the two we have now,” he said. “We’ve talked about putting one in the library.”

He added, “I want students to understand that the machine is an example of their SGA working for them to make things more convenient, more accessible.”