Students can save money at more than 22 local businesses thanks to Student Government Association.
SGA recently launched the Stars Advantage program, which gives discounts specifically for OCU students.
The program was developed over the summer by Edgars Boitmanis, vice president of SGA.
The initial list of businesses offering savings contains popular eateries like Mutt’s Amazing Hot Dogs, 1400 N.W. 23 St.; and Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, 600 N.W. 23 St. The list includes auto care centers, clothiers, and the local activity center Riversport Adventures, 725 S. Lincoln Blvd.
While students are excited about the discounts, many are confused about how to get the card itself.
“I first heard about the program at Pizza 23, where I work,” said Cody Wimmer, acting junior. “I learned that they were going to be part of the new discount program, but that’s the last I’ve heard.
“I’m interested in picking up a card, but I’m not sure how to go about it.”
SGA is spreading the benefits of the card through word of mouth.
Boitmanis said he believes this will create a personal connection between students and their senators.
Students can get a card by visiting a member of Student Senate or stopping by the SGA office in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.
After discovering that many other student government associations made providing student discounts a priority, Boitmanis worked toward updating OCU’s outdated program.
Upon receiving the support of SGA advisers and fellow members, the association partnered with the Communications Department on campus to design the card itself.
Communications covered 50 percent of the design cost.
SGA allotted about $350 to the Stars Advantage Cards in the Fall 2013 Budget. There are only about 350 cards available for students at this time.
The purpose of the new program is threefold.
“We want the student body to receive savings at a very diverse group of businesses, of course,” Boitmanis said. “But we also want to get students involved with SGA.
“Finally, we want to establish OCU as a presence in the community, and build relationships with local businesses that could support campus organizations in other ways down the road.”
SGA hopes to expand the list of businesses offering discounts.
Updates to the list will be posted on the SGA website, ocusga.org.
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