The provided source material details promotional activities and complimentary offerings associated with university events and campus services, specifically focusing on the University of Maryland and Towson University. These sources highlight opportunities for students and staff to obtain free items, participate in events at no cost, or access discounted services. The information is derived from event descriptions and campus service listings. The following article synthesizes these details to inform consumers about available freebies and promotional offers within these specific contexts.
The Stamp Student Union All Niter Event
The Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland hosts an annual event known as the "All Niter." This event is designed to showcase the Stamp Student Union, introduce new students to the building, and welcome returning students. According to the source, the 33rd annual All Niter is scheduled to begin on a Friday at noon and continue until 3 a.m. the following Saturday. It is expected to attract over 18,000 attendees.
The event features a circus theme, represented by the tagline "Come One, Come All." Various activities and performances are planned to align with this theme. These include aerial artists performing in the food court and sideshow acts in the Hoff Theater. A "Reptiles Alive!" exhibit is also part of the entertainment lineup.
Freebies and Prizes
A significant component of the All Niter event is the distribution of free items and the opportunity to win prizes. The sources explicitly mention several types of freebies available to attendees:
- Custom T-shirts: Attendees can receive custom T-shirts.
- Build-A-Bear Stuffed Animals: The event offers Build-A-Bear stuffed animals as freebies.
- Carnival Game Participation: While specific prizes are listed for raffles and bingo, carnival games are available for attendees to play. Winning these games can earn participants raffle tickets.
- Interactive Services: Complimentary services such as caricatures, balloon animals, and face painting are available under a "big tent" at the event.
In addition to free giveaways, there are structured opportunities to win prizes through games of chance and skill:
- Raffle: Attendees can win prizes, including a Google Chromecast player. Raffle tickets are earned by winning carnival games located in the Grand Ballroom.
- Bingo: Bingo games are held in the Baltimore Room. Prizes are awarded after each game. Specific prizes mentioned include university apparel, parking validation codes, massages from the University Health Center, and a GoPro camera.
Event Access and Exclusivity
While many events are open to the public, certain activities have specific entry requirements. The "Late Night Party," hosted by the Black Student Union, is a dance party that runs from midnight to 3 a.m. This specific event is exclusive to university students. Non-students can attend other events within the All Niter. To enter the Late Night Party, students must print tickets in advance and present a university ID. Tickets for this event are free and available via a specific university ticketing website.
Other performances during the All Niter include a fashion show by the Echelon Fashion Society in the food court and a Step Show and Performance Showcase featuring step, stroll, and dance performances by student organizations.
Towson University Campus Services and Discounts
The second source provides information regarding services and discounts available to faculty and staff at Towson University (TU). While not strictly "free samples" in the consumer product sense, these services offer significant financial benefits and complimentary access to facilities and programs.
Dining and Meal Plans
Towson University Dining offers several promotional and cost-saving opportunities for faculty and staff:
- Monthly Lunch Special: On the first Friday of every month, faculty and staff can eat lunch in the dining halls for $6.
- Employee Meal Plan (Dining Dollars): Faculty and staff can purchase a meal plan or simply add "Dining Dollars" to their OneCard. Dining Dollars function as a debit account accepted at all a-la-carte locations and dining halls.
- Savings Incentive: Using Dining Dollars provides a 6% discount on every purchase, and no tax is applied. Dining Dollars carry over from semester to semester and year to year as long as the individual remains a faculty or staff member.
Transportation and Wellness Benefits
Towson University provides specific free and discounted services regarding transportation and health:
- Free Mass Transit: Regular-status TU faculty and staff are eligible for free rides on the Light Rail, Baltimore Metro Subway, local bus service, and commuter bus lines 120, 150, and 160 in the Baltimore region. This benefit does not extend to MARC trains or special event buses. As of July 1, 2023, the previous hologram sticker system was discontinued. Eligible employees must now obtain a State of MD Employee ID to utilize this benefit. The source notes that this benefit is strictly limited to regular-status faculty and staff; contingent staff, adjunct faculty, and contingent lecturers are not eligible.
- Wellness Discounts: TU offers a wellness program where employees can earn rewards by completing health activities. Completing a health survey and confirming a Primary Care Physician (PCP) allows for no-cost visits to the PCP through December 31, 2026. Additionally, completing recommended screenings, including vision screening, can reduce specialist copays by up to $10 through 2026.
Other Services and Discounts
- Printing Services: Copies Plus offers printing services, including sheets up to 11x17, lamination, and course packets. While not free, the service offers convenience with overnight submission options for pick-up the following business day.
- Postal Services: TU Postal Services offers most USPS services, including stamps and UPS/Bulk Mail services. It is located in the University Union. Mail must be received by 3 p.m. for same-day processing. Payment is accepted via cash, check, or Doc Dollars; credit cards are not accepted.
- Child Care Center: The University Child Care Center offers part-time and full-time options for children aged 2 to 4. TU Faculty and Staff receive priority in enrollment and access to special discounted rates.
- University Store Discounts: Faculty and staff receive a 15% discount on University Store merchandise (including apparel, general books, greeting cards, convenience merchandise, electronics, and school supplies) and a 10% discount on textbooks. Exclusions apply to graduation regalia, computer hardware/software, gift cards, diploma frames, and clearance items. Faculty and staff are also eligible to join the "Tiger Rewards" customer loyalty program.
- Arts and Culture: TU Arts and Culture provides access to over 200 student and professional performances annually, including theatre, music, dance, and visual arts exhibits in four galleries.
Conclusion
The provided sources outline specific freebies and promotional offers available at university events and campus services. At the University of Maryland, the Stamp Student Union All Niter event offers a variety of free physical items such as custom T-shirts and Build-A-Bear stuffed animals, alongside opportunities to win prizes like Google Chromecasts, GoPro cameras, and university apparel through carnival games and bingo. Towson University offers a different class of benefits for faculty and staff, including significant discounts on dining (6% savings plus tax exemption via Dining Dollars), free mass transit access for eligible employees, discounted child care, and retail discounts at the University Store. While the All Niter event is a temporary, annual occurrence, the benefits at Towson University represent ongoing perks for the eligible campus community. Consumers interested in these specific types of offers should monitor university event calendars and human resources portals for updates on availability and eligibility requirements.