Employee Discounts Help Save Some Green

UA employee discounts are available at a variety of businesses and attractions, from local stores and restaurants to out-of-state theme parks.

In these challenging economic times, everyone is looking for ways to save a few bucks. One way University of Arizona employees can pinch pennies is to take advantage of the variety of employee discounts available at businesses in Tucson and beyond, ranging from a free soda with your lunch to a cut rate at Six Flags for the family's next summer vacation.

"Because we are a highly visible employer in town, lots of places offer discounts for our employees," said Linda Charlip, director of compensation and benefits for Human Resources. "Once you have your CatCard and are a member of the University community, it can't hurt to ask if a merchant offers a UA discount."  

On the HR Web site, employees can view a list of places on campus that offer employee discounts, including Arizona Athletics, Campus Recreation, UA Outreach College Professional Development and the UA BookStore.

There also is a list of out-of-town attractions offering UA employee discounts, including Six Flags, Legoland California, Universal Studios Hollywood and the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.

UA employees with a UA NetID and password can view and print a list of promotional codes and instructions for accessing online deals at various attractions.

The online list of offerings is not all-inclusive, and since the University doesn't actively solicit discounts from businesses, it is impossible to keep track of every deal out there, Charlip said.

That's why she encourages people to ask about discounts, both on campus and off, adding that locally owned businesses and franchises are usually more likely to have offers than large corporate chains.

Some of the on-campus discounts available to University employees include:

• UA BookStores: Employees get 10 percent off textbooks, 20 percent off most general reading books and 10 percent off supplies, clothing, gifts, Clinique products and computer supplies. (Some restrictions apply.) Employees can also take advantage of special academic pricing on computer hardware and software. Discounts are subject to change in the future, as the bookstore works to develop a possible benefits membership club for faculty and staff, said Debby Shively, UA BookStores' senior associate director.
• Arizona Athletics: UA employees get a 15 percent discount on season tickets to any sport that has them available. (Limit two tickets per sport.)
• Campus Recreation: Employees can enjoy discounts and free days at the Student Recreation Center at various times throughout the year. On April 7, Campus Recreation will host a Well University Day, in which annual memberships will be available to employees at a 10 percent discount.
• UA Outreach College Professional Development: UA employees get a 20 percent discount on professional development courses.
• UApresents: Most tickets start at $10 for UA faculty, staff and students. (This varies by performance, so check with the box office.)
• Employees also often receive discounted admission to various cultural events on campus, including performances by the School of Music, the School of Dance and the Arizona Repertory Theatre.

Some out-of-town discounts available include:

• Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor: Discounts vary by location.
• Legoland California: Save up to $12 on adult admission and up to $6 on children's admission, depending on the ticket package.  
• San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park: Save $5 on a Best Value one-day ticket package at both locations.
• Universal Studios Hollywood: Save $13 on one-day general admission.
• Employees can also get discounts from Employee Printing Services, which offers a variety of supplies for celebrating special occasions, including invitations, thank you cards and party favors.

The HR site also includes some links to online discounts available to the general public at Knott's Berry Farm, the Grand Canyon Railway in Flagstaff and Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, including Sea World in San Diego.

Finally, for everyday savings, here are a few discounts for UA employees with a CatCard at businesses on University Boulevard, just a short walk from the UA main campus:

• Blue Monkey Trading Company – 10 percent
• Johnny Rockets – 10 percent
• Goodfellas Italian Bistro – 20 percent
• Vila Thai Cuisine – Free drink with meal
• Kababeque Indian Grill – Free drink with meal
• Silver Mine Subs (on Tyndall Avenue just south of University Boulevard) – Free drink with meal
• Style America Hair Care – 10 percent
• Cost Cutters – 10 percent
• Blades hair salon – The salon's newest stylist is offering a 25 percent discount for UA employees in March and April. Ask for David.
• Many Main Gate businesses – including La Salsa, Which Wich and Espresso Art – offer loyalty punch cards that reward frequent visitors with freebies after a certain number of purchases.