Cardopoly makes its rounds
In a survey conducted over the past year and a half, Monica Tripler, manager of the USU Card Office, gathered that students – particularly freshmen and transfer students – needed more information on what use their ID card can be used for. From this survey, she came up with Cardopoly, a game launched at the start of the school year that rewards students for different places on campus with their ID’s.
“This was an opportunity,” she said. “Until (students) are on campus and using their cards, they can’t find value in it.”
In collaboration with the business school, the Card Office covered all costs in an effort to promote the activity, Tripler said. The summer was spent gathering the support of entities on campus and developing the game, she said.
Cardopoly, based off the the game Monopoly, has 16 different locations for participants to visit. There is no purchase necessary at any of the sites, and once 12 stamps have been acquired, the player turns in the board to the Card Office on the second floor of the TSC, Tripler said.
Rachel Brooks, a transfer student, said that it took her and her friends about two hours to complete.
“We ventured all around campus,” she said.
She said it was a great opportunity to discover businesses in buildings which she had no classes, such as Artist’s Block in the Fine Arts Building. Given the opportunity, Rachel said she would participate again next year.
Response to the game has been overwhelming, Tripler said. There were 10,000 game boards printed and 6,000 were expected to be used. As of Aug. 30, there were 7,000 boards distributed. In 3 days of playing, over 150 students have completed the challenge.
While the Card Office is planning to host another event next year, Tripler said that it may not be Cardopoly. Next year’s activity may include services on campus other than businesses, such as visiting academic counselors. This year is focused primarily on highlighting the services of the ID card, she said.
There are some perks for returning students. Tyler Holverson, a junior, had just finished the game and said the main reason he entered was the prizes. He said it did not help him that much, but that for newer students, “it definitely would help.”
The many prizes are listed on the game board, which can be obtained at any participating businesses or at the card office. The first 500 participants to finish win a free t-shirt. Every player that completes the board is placed in the grand prize drawing. Prizes include a new iPad and a $50 certificate to Aggie Ice Cream. The game ends on Sept. 28. at 4:30 p.m.
“Students are paying for these services through student fees. We want them to use them,” Tripler said.
– keleneamethyst@gmail.com