More UPerks:

• Arts and Culture
• University Programs
• Wellness

UPerks offers University employees a variety of savings opportunities. Proof of University employment is required, either with a UCard or a pay stub. All discounts offered through UPerks, whether they are listed here or with MERSC, are given without any endorsement or guarantee from the University of Minnesota. The University is not liable for businesses not honoring discounts.

MERSC Discounts

The University is a member of the Minnesota Employee Recreational Services Council. MERSC offers discounts to numerous Twin Cities businesses. Contact the vendor directly, not MERSC, if you have a question about a particular discount.

U Card Faculty & Staff Checking

TCF Bank offers the U Card Faculty & Staff Checking account exclusively to University of Minnesota employees who have obtained their U Card. There is no minimum balance and no services fees with U Card Faculty & Staff Checking, and it includes free services such as preferred online banking with bill payment service, free checks, free travelers checks, and a free Goldy Gopher Visa™ debit card which can earn you rewards!

For more information about U Card Faculty & Staff Checking, call 612-823-2265 or 800-823-2265 or visit the U Card Web site.

MetroPass

Metropass is a discounted pass from Metro Transit available to staff and faculty members who work at least 20 hours a week and have a valid UCard. Metropass provides 24/7 access to all metro-area bus lines and light rail transit and costs $65 per month. You can order a MetroPasses online which can be picked up at the PTS office on Washington Ave.

A MetroPass purchase qualifies you for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program, which provides two vouchers every six months, good for reimbursement of up to a $25 transit ride or cab fare.

UMart

UMart provides University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff with up-to-date links to the latest technology information, products, support, and services. Most of the vendors provide discounts on equipment and services, as well as great deals on refurbished devices, such as iPods, Blackberrys, and more. All you need is your internet ID and password to start shopping.

YMCA Memberships

Join the YMCA and the Y will waive its $79 Joiners Fee. The YMCA offers fitness centers, running tracks, gyms, open swim, lap swim, free group exercise classes, free fitness consultations and orientations, strength training, free weights and the YMCA 12-week progressive fitness program for new or returning exercisers.

Financial assistance is available for memberships, childcare, and camping programs.

For information about the 22 YMCA locations in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, visit www.ymcatwincities.org or call 612-465-0450. For more information, contact Sam Hargraves at the Downtown YMCA at 612-371-8749 or SHargraves@YMCAmpls.org.

Discounted Tickets and Passes

Staff, faculty, and students can purchase discounted movie tickets, metro passes, tickets to local attractions, and more at the Coffman Infomation Desk, St. Paul Information Desk, Gopher Express West (located in the Skyway between Wiley and Blegen Halls).