Student ID benefits are not created equal
Sean Hermann and Aaron Geiger
Issue date: 10/21/09 Section: News
Is it really important to get student discounts?
"Absolutely," said Lee. "I think students need every last resource just to squeak by through college, because most of us are really poor."
Parkland College students are in a different demographic than many students in four-year colleges. Most community college students do not live in dorms or college-sponsored housing-they tend to commute from apartments, or they live at home with their family. Parkland students tend to work more, and make up a demographic of "nontraditional" students that have children or families of their own, or have served in the military or other specialized careers.
"I think Parkland students would benefit from having the most amount of perks, because they are working students, and the kids at the U of I usually have most of their lives paid for by their parents," said Morris.
Activities Program Manager John Eby, of Parkland's Office of Student Life, said that some schools pay for student ID programs, although he was unsure if the i-Card program was one of those. "It's all about volume," he said. "It's the same reason why our [Parkland] students don't get a bus pass."
Eby also believes that if a business is offering a student discount, then students should simply ask for that discount, and if they don't receive it, they should stop giving their money to that business.
But not all is lost to Parkland students. There are many businesses that cater to all students, such as the movie theatres, which offer two dollars off of each ticket, school athletic events, which offer a lower ticket price, and most oil change garages offer a percent discount off of your total. Many restaurants will offer a discount or special for students such as a free drink with purchase.
Local business such as The Great Frame Up offer 20% off of any complete custom picture framing order, in-stock prints, framed art, and photo frames for both Parkland and i-Card holders. Kirby's Firestone on Neil Street offers a VIP special which includes an oil change, tire rotation, and full vehicle inspection for $19.95 to students. Corson Music offers 10% off instrument accessories.
"Absolutely," said Lee. "I think students need every last resource just to squeak by through college, because most of us are really poor."
Parkland College students are in a different demographic than many students in four-year colleges. Most community college students do not live in dorms or college-sponsored housing-they tend to commute from apartments, or they live at home with their family. Parkland students tend to work more, and make up a demographic of "nontraditional" students that have children or families of their own, or have served in the military or other specialized careers.
"I think Parkland students would benefit from having the most amount of perks, because they are working students, and the kids at the U of I usually have most of their lives paid for by their parents," said Morris.
Activities Program Manager John Eby, of Parkland's Office of Student Life, said that some schools pay for student ID programs, although he was unsure if the i-Card program was one of those. "It's all about volume," he said. "It's the same reason why our [Parkland] students don't get a bus pass."
Eby also believes that if a business is offering a student discount, then students should simply ask for that discount, and if they don't receive it, they should stop giving their money to that business.
But not all is lost to Parkland students. There are many businesses that cater to all students, such as the movie theatres, which offer two dollars off of each ticket, school athletic events, which offer a lower ticket price, and most oil change garages offer a percent discount off of your total. Many restaurants will offer a discount or special for students such as a free drink with purchase.
Local business such as The Great Frame Up offer 20% off of any complete custom picture framing order, in-stock prints, framed art, and photo frames for both Parkland and i-Card holders. Kirby's Firestone on Neil Street offers a VIP special which includes an oil change, tire rotation, and full vehicle inspection for $19.95 to students. Corson Music offers 10% off instrument accessories.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Dont worry about it
posted 10/21/09 @ 6:50 PM CST
Well of course a Parkland ID card doesn't go as far as an I Card. There is a higher tuition price so they deserve the discounts. Not to mention it's a 4 year university were as Parkland is a community college. (Continued…)
tyson
posted 10/21/09 @ 8:31 PM CST
i think the story already said that there is a big difference between u of i and parkland and student fees. i thought the story was neat because it wasn't trying to make a big deal out of the id thing. (Continued…)
ahwareham
ahw
posted 10/22/09 @ 10:02 AM CST
I completely understand why we don't get perks such as free games, medical services, gym memberships, etc--we as Parkland students are not paying for those things, while U of I students are. (Continued…)
MTD:
posted 10/22/09 @ 10:16 AM CST
I think you guys should write more about the bus system. I realize that UI students pay for their bus pass with student fees. I also realize that there are thousands more students that need to get around campus but I think that Parkland should have free bus passes, incorporated into their fees, and that Parkland should have more services in the evening. (Continued…)
hermannater24
Sean
posted 10/22/09 @ 2:53 PM CST
Thanks for the input everyone, much appreciated!
Jodi
posted 11/15/09 @ 10:14 AM CST
I think that this was a great idea for an article. However, I think that one point that has not been made yet is that the main reason that the local businesses should offer the Parkland students discounts is because it is a good marketing practice to do this. (Continued…)
Marva
posted 11/23/09 @ 5:18 PM CST
If Parkland students wanted to be treated better and not appear to be ashamed of attending a less expensive community college which has better teacher-student ratios, just as good as if not better teachers, then the students have to begin advocating for almost equal treatment such as passes to ride the buses. (Continued…)
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