The Student Union Advisory Council is taking steps to eliminate the credit card companies that flood the Union each year in search of new cardholders.

Undergraduate Sen. Gilbert Davidson, chairman of the council, said the group is trying to stop the companies from soliciting on campus.

One method, Davidson said, would be to stop or limit the number of tables at the beginning of the school year, where students are most likely to sign up for the cards.

If the council is unable to stop solicitation on campus, the group hopes to move on to create educational programs about using credit cards wisely, Davidson said.

"Credit cards affect students' finances one way or another," he said. "We want to try and stop this or at least teach students the consequences of charging too much money on the cards."

Dan Adams, director of the Student Union, said, "It's a little bit unfair to hand out credit cards to students, knowing that they might have a hard time paying it back."

"I think credit card companies take advantage of students, especially freshmen, because they know this is the first time they are away from home, and they are irresponsible about their money," said Katie Seitz, microbiology senior. "Credit card companies then will make money by the interest they make on all the unpaid bills."

Dan Maxwell, director of student programs, said, "The university needs to address the situation so students stop finding themselves in debt. They need to choose a time, place, and manner in where they can oversee the problem."

Kevin Duncan, sociology sophomore, said, "Credit cards are good if you know how to budget your money. If you don't, you can find yourself in big trouble."

A proposal has been introduced to the UA Mall Committee, which is under the care of Associate Dean of Students Carol Thompson, said Adams. He said a final vote will take place at the beginning of the school year to decide whether or not the UA will eliminate solicitation of credit cards on campus.