Students also have an understanding of what the OneCard office’s goals are. The group addresses challenges that the OneCard office may not have thought of and encourages the office to think from a student’s perspective. The group also informs the OneCard office of what’s going on around campus. This helps give the card office ideas for marketing and promotions that they may not have previously considered.

The card office’s partnership with the university’s residence department has helped to make the transition to college easier for students. Residence and the OneCard office added an online option for students to deposit OneCard cash as part of the resident application process. Students have immediate access to the funds as soon as they pick up their cards.

This has been helpful for students as it provides funds for any last minute move-in purchases, and it’s one less thing for students to think about as they settle into university life. This has also led to an increase in deposits and has generated thousands of dollars in commission for the OneCard office’s operation.

Another department with a close tie to the OneCard office is the university Registrar. McNeill suggests that creating a partnership with your Registrar can be extremely beneficial, as those offices typically have influence and authority on campus.

The OneCard office first contacted the Registrar seeking assistance with putting preferred names on OneCards. Prior to the OneCard office printing preferred names on IDs, it was the Registrar that created an official identity policy to provide guidance for when and where students can use their preferred name.

Alberta’s Registrar office also sends out newsletters regarding events on campus, student tips, and more. McNeill recognized an opportunity for the card office by including in the newsletter instructions on how to upload ID photos, complete with a link back to OneCard website. Inclusion in the Registrar newsletter has helped increase both photo submissions and deposits. And, as the newsletter is also mailed incoming members of the campus community, it’s helping to inform new students how to access OneCard services before they’ve ever arrived on campus.

Overall, McNeill believes that partnerships make it easier for students in terms of convenience, service and safety. Even small partnerships help connect the university’s various services.

“If there is an opportunity for OneCard to be involved in something that’s going to make the student experience better, we’re going to figure out a way to make it better,” McNeill says.

Online account management

McNeill has also turned her attention to online account management as a crucial component to program excellence. “Students are looking for access on-the-go,” she says.