The beautiful grotto I can't get into Photo courtesy of Mizzourec.com

I’ll preface the story with this: I lost (see: “misplaced”) my student I.D. a couple of weeks ago. Since then, I’ve been fine with out it. I’ve student charged supplies at the bookstore, I purchased homecoming tickets, etc.

But all of that came to a screeching halt when I went to the Rec to sit in the steam room.

MizzouRec has a new policy: if a Rec member doesn’t have his or her proper I.D. card, they’re not allowed entry. Even if this member can prove they are who they say they are. Even if they still pay for membership.

As I approached the card-swiper at the front desk, I handed him my I.D., and he told me to go to the membership desk to get my one-time-only day pass. Which was fine … until I found out I had already used the one-time-only courtesy pass the week before.

What to do? What to do?

Of course I inquired about the new policy. He explained that many people are using others’ I.D.s and that equipment was recently stolen from the Rec, which is a totally valid explanation for this policy. However, even when I offered up all of my information, including my Social Security number, driver’s license, anything I had on me to prove I’m myself, I was still denied entry.

Then, to top things off, the membership employee offered to sell me a day pass for $10.75. Really? I already pay to use the Rec! What is the point in selling me a day pass if I already pay to use the Rec and if I can clearly prove I am who I say I am and that I’m absolutely not going to try to stroll out with three ellipticals and a bench press. (I’m 5’8″, 140 lbs; I don’t think I’d make out out of there with anything, even if I tried.)

I get it, I get it. I’m in the wrong for losing my student I.D. And, with graduation in just two months, I don’t see much sense in spending $25 for a new one if I don’t need it for anything aside from admission to the Rec. But, this new admission policy at the Rec seems downright kooky and just kind of, well, nonsense. I understand (and respect) a policy that protects a great facility of stolen items, but I don’t agree with denying admission to those who already pay for membership.

So, loyal readers, it’s your turn. Have you had a bad experience with MizzouRec’s admission policies? Do share in the comments below.