Committees Staff Advisory Council Macalester College

(Hidden) Staff Benefits


The "Hidden" Benefits of Working at Macalester College

While all staff are usually very aware of the more traditional benefits offered at Macalester - such as health insurance through HealthPartners, vacation and sick leave, the retirement plan, etc.- there are many additional, lesser-known benefits that staff are eligible to receive and which are frequently overlooked or not as readily taken advantage of. Some of these are made available through Employment Services, others are available through campus departments or offices or from local businesses. SAC is working to compile a list of these benefits.


Check out the list below, if there is a "hidden" benefit that we've overlooked, let us know so that we can add it to our list!

Access to Full-Service Postal Station

Have you ever waited in the long line at the post office? Of course, hasn't everyone? Did you know that Macalester has a full-service postal station that is able to handle almost all things that a normal U.S. Post Office can do with the exception of a few international mailings? Did you know that this convenient service is available to staff to use?  The benefit of having a USPS Contract Station is one only a handful of business's have. Make sure that you take advantage of this convenient "hidden benefit."


Use of Athletic Facilities

There's no need to join an athletic club when you can use all Macalester's athletic facilities for free! Facilities include exercise equipment, running track, weights, pool, tennis courts (indoors and outdoors), racquetball courts, and gyms. Many organized special activities ranging from "aqua aerobics" to weight-training and yoga classes are frequently offered over the lunch hour. For more information, contact Athletics x6267

Free & Easy Parking

The ability to find easy parking close to our work is something that most of us take advantage of daily and don't think about it as a "benefit". If you don't think it's a benefit, talk to someone who works downtown and has to pay someone more to babysit their car all day than they do to have someone take care of their kids! All the College asks is that you register your car with physical plant/security office and follow campus parking regulations.

Discounted Movie Tickets

Do you and your family like to check out the newest blockbuster at the local cineplex? Then make sure that you take advantage of the discount movie passes that are available through Campus Programs. Discount admission coupons are available for United Artists, AMC, and Mann Theatres and can save you up to $2.50 off the regular ticket price. Contact Campus Programs at x6297 or stop by the Campus Center Info Desk for more information.

Access to a Library with Great Resources!

If you haven't visited Macalester's library recently, you're missing out on a great resource for staff. It's Harmon Collection includes all of the newest bestsellers. In it's sound recordings collection you'll find everything from rock to jazz to Robert Frost reading his own poetry. And if you've got kids, you should definitely visit the children's collection on the library's second floor. The hundreds of electronic databases and journals available through the library make doing research (or just browsing) easy to do from the library, your office or from home. And if they do got what you're looking for, they can probably get it from another library across the country through their interlibrary loan service. Stop in and see them.

Save On Metro Transit Bus Passes

Do you ride the bus? Then you should stop by the Campus Center Info Desk to find out more about the discounted Metro Transit bus passes. You can as much as 50% off the regular cost of these passes. A Macalester ID is needed to purchase, so don't forget to bring yours along.

Need a passport photo?

Thinking of travelling out of the country in the near future? Media Services will take passport photos for you. There is a small charge for this service. Contact Media Services at x6377 for more information.

A Great Neighborhood!

Another "benefit" that we might easily take for granted is the safe and friendly residential neighborhood in which Macalester College is located. With many Grand Avenue shops and businesses just a few minutes away, it makes getting away from campus to do some quick shopping over lunch a delight! Or maybe you'd rather stretch your legs with a walk down historic Summit Avenue. They're just a few steps away...

Free Software

ITS provides software resources ranging from virus protection to email that can not only be used at work, but also on your computer at home. You can download many of these software titles from the ITS software web page. It is important to remember that ITS doesn't offer support for all the titles they make available for download. If you have questions, contact the Helpdesk at x6525.

A. Johnson & Son's Florist

A Johnson & Sons Florist offers discounts to MAC employees, students and alums using the ACTC contract. AND, the College receives a 20% rebate when they mention Macalester College. Business orders receive a 20% discount and personal orders receive a 5% discount. Discount & contact info.

ACTC Hotel Discounts

MERSC

Macalester belongs to the Minnesota Employee Recreation and Services Council (MERSC). There are many discounts available through MERSC.

 

Vanguard Travel

Vanguard Travel for all travel needs (airfare, hotel, car rental, group travel). This contract is also open for employees to book for personal use. It is one stop shopping, AND the college earns Bizperks (frequent flyer) miles in addition to the employee earning their personal frequent flyer miles.

 

Last Updated: 22 May 2008