The IU Southeast bookstore started a loyalty rewards program this summer for incoming freshman and currently enrolled students called, “Igniting the Student Connection;” for alumni it is called “Igniting the Alumni Connection.”

“We started the program to create a new way to connect with students,” Julie Faulds, bookstore manager,said. The program was designed for by IUS’s home bookstore.

Those who sign up via the bookstore website with their e-mail address will automatically receive special discounts each month. Students and alumni can then either choose to use them in campus in the bookstore or online.

“A lot of students buy their books online because they are cheaper. This could bring in people that normally wouldn’t buy books, apparel and accessories from the store,” Liz Hunton, jr, said.

The program is built around e-mail, social media and orientation programs to connect to new students and their parents with IU Southeast’s key stages of their first semester experience.

“This year, new students will receive exclusive offers and promotions that enable them to showcase their school pride while gaining an understanding of how we at the campus bookstore can help them navigate their course material options,” Faulds said.

Cassandra Mayfield, pre-informatics junior, said that she signed up for the program because she buys most of her books from the bookstore on campus.

“I also enjoy wearing apparel that shows off my school spirit and if I can get a deal on that too then I’m even more willing to buy books there,” Mayfield said.

Currently any alumni who join the rewards program during January and February will receive 15 percent off any diploma frames in the bookstore.