By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Credit Union ONE, the new exclusive on-campus financial institution, opened a full-service branch outlet Monday, May 16, at 102 Oakland Center, the space previously occupied by Copy Stop etc.

The Credit Union ONE branch allows OU community members to open savings and checking accounts, apply for loans and register for CU@Home, the online banking feature offered by Credit Union ONE, without leaving campus.

In the coming weeks, OU students, faculty and staff also will be able to obtain the SpiritCard Plus card from the on-campus Credit Union ONE branch.

The SpiritCard, OU’s official picture identification card, is used for meal plans, checking out library materials, computer lab printing, copy machine printing, at food service outlets and select vending machines, and entry to the Rec Center, 24-hour computer lab and residence halls after hours. With the SpiritCard Plus option, a MasterCard logo is added to the card and can be used for ATM and debit card transactions. The card can be used on-campus and anywhere that accepts MasterCard or debit card transactions.

Additionally, student services will be enhanced to include direct deposit of student payroll, financial aid and refunds.

“The joint venture with Credit Union ONE will benefit students and the university in numerous ways through financial services and education opportunities,” said Richard Fekel, director of the Oakland Center.

Four students will be working with Credit Union ONE employees at the OU branch, giving them a chance to learn on-the-job-training. Credit Union ONE’s goal is to hire students as the demand and traffic at the branch requires, said Tom Schaeffler, executive vice president of Credit Union ONE.

Credit Union ONE also is providing $444,000 in new scholarship funding to OU, along with ongoing support to numerous areas of the university.

“Credit Union ONE has had an ongoing relationship with Oakland University for more than 15 years sponsoring many of its internship programs as well as sporting and cultural events. This new aspect of our relationship with the university will allow the credit union to be of additional support to both staff and students,” Schaeffler said.

The OU branch hours for spring and summer semesters are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fall and winter semester hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

There also are four ATMs on campus, which process deposits as well as dispense cash, that are free to Credit Union ONE members and those who belong to the CO-OP network. The ATMs are located in the Oakland Center, Vandenberg Hall, Rec Center and Kresge Library.

Aside from the on-campus branch and ATMs, Credit Union ONE has 24 branch locations, 20 in the metro Detroit area, which are accessible to all members.

Dates for a formal open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Credit Union ONE on-campus branch will be announced soon.

For more information on Credit Union ONE, including off-campus branch and ATM locations, visit the Credit Union ONE Web site. For more information on the SpiritCard or SpiritCard Plus, visit the ID Card Office Web site.