As officials debate what will take the place of the soon-to-be-closed bank in the Student Union Memorial Center, students say they would like to see another bank.

That is a leading possibility, say union officials, who are hoping a new tenant will be able to replace the Union Bank branch by the start of the fall semester.

"We're trying to find something. We would like to have a bank somewhere in the building," said Bill Shiba, associate director of the student union.

Shiba would not comment further on whether any businesses had expressed interest in taking the space.

Union Bank officials announced earlier this semester that the bank's branch in the union would close May 20 because of low business.

The bank allowed students to use their CatCards as debit cards, an option that is being evaluated for possible continuation if a new bank is put into the union.

"Banking options are great for incoming students and parents love it," said Suellyn Hull, assistant director of CatCard Services. "There are a lot of options, and we're looking for what's best for students, faculty and staff."

Students said it is useful to have a bank on campus and that the university should try to put another bank in the union.

"I think for students with limited transportation and who live off campus, it's good to have a bank that's on campus," said Roseann Devlin, a psychology senior.

Devlin said a credit union could possibly be better for students than a traditional bank because they don't charge as many fees.

Andrea Brokaw, an undeclared freshman, uses Union Bank and the CatCard option, but the CatCard only works as a debit card at some locations, meaning she is often stuck writing checks.

"I think if the bank offered better services, it would be good for kids who live on campus," she said.

Brokaw said she will change banks at the end of the semester.

Greg Martinez, a philosophy junior, said that the option of having a CatCard function as a debit card is convenient for students and another bank should take over the service.

"Students benefit from it as a matter of convenience," Martinez said. "Students only have one card; it's less things to lose."

Accounting senior Martha Rivas said she thought there should be another bank on campus after Union Bank leaves. She said the ATMs on campus are useful, but if Union Bank were to leave, students would have to go off-campus for other banking needs.

"I think having a bank on campus is convenient," she said.