Back by popular demand: Top employee perks that you don't already know about

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in UToday on July 25, 2018.

Hopefully, every employee already knows about the pension plan and the health benefits offered here at UCalgary, but here are 12 lesser-known perks you should know about:

1. Computer hardware

So many options for personal hardware, you won’t know which to choose:

• At Memory Express, faculty and staff pay just cost plus eight per cent, and cables are always 25 per cent off. 
• Check out Apple education pricing available for post-secondary students, faculty and staff.
• Microsoft offers has special higher education pricing.
• As a members of the Dell Member Purchase Program, discounts are available on Dell computers, products and parts. To access your Dell discount: Visit dell.ca/MPP and use your employee email address to request your coupon. The coupon can be applied at checkout or by contacting the Dell sales team at Canada_MPP@Dell.com.

(Note: These discounts cannot be used for items purchased for university use.)

2. Computer software

Need software for a personal device? You can get deep discounts on software through the university on everything from anti-virus protection and Microsoft Office 2016, to the Adobe Creative Cloud and everything in between. 

3. Cell phones

Students, faculty and staff have access to personal mobility deals on phones and plans through Rogers. Deals are updated throughout the year.

4. Active Living memberships

Save hundreds of dollars with employee discounts on single and family Active Living memberships. Facilities include the Fitness Centre, climbing wall, Racket Centre, Olympic Oval, Aquatic Centre, gymnasiums and more.

5. Library access

No matter what your reading preferences, the university library has what you need between the covers. Employees already have an active library account — log in to the library now to place a hold on your next great read.

6. Go Dinos!

All current UCalgary faculty and staff pay only $75 for a Dinos Season Pass. The Season Pass is valid for all Dinos pre-season and regular season home games. Playoff game tickets are 25 per cent off for employees.

7. Enjoy the arts on campus

UCalgary employees and one guest get 50 per cent off regular admission for all dance, drama and music performances presented by the School of Creative and Performing Arts.

8. Surplus sales

Ever wonder where office furniture, audio visual equipment and supplies go after they aren’t needed on campus anymore? It’s all made available for purchase at Surplus Sales — an event held every other Friday at the General Service Warehouse.

9. Lifelong learning for less

Eligible staff and faculty and their designated dependents qualify for the Tuition Support Program for approved undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as non-credit courses offered through Continuing Education. Faculty and staff can also access free software, creative and business skills courses through the university’s subscription to Lynda.com.

10. Lab NEXT

Lab NEXT features a makerspace, bookable collaboration rooms, open collaboration space, and high performance computers — and it’s available to use for the entire university community.

11. AUPE member discounts 
Hotel rooms, insurance, memorial plans, home inspections and much more. AUPE member discounts are special prices offered to AUPE members by businesses and organizations. Each offer is unique, so check each listing for specific limitations or requirements.

12. Train travel and more with CAUBO

UCalgary employees are all members of CAUBO, and that means member discounts on Via Rail, Union Pearson Express, moving and relocation services, hotels and car rentals.