N6: Marketing of Credit Cards to Students

Responsibility for Maintenance: Administration and Compliance

I. Policy Statement  

Onondaga Community College prohibits the advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards to students on College-owned, operated, or controlled property, and at any College-sponsored events without prior approval.

II. Reason for Policy  

Pursuant to the requirements of the New York State Educational Law 6437 (Article 129-A), the policy is adopted to promote the best interests of students who have limited or no experience managing debt, credit, or other personal finances.

III. Applicability of the Policy  

This policy applies to all members of College community.

III. Related Documents  

• New York State Education Law Article 129-A, Section 6437

IV. Contacts  

V. Procedures

1. Prohibited Conduct
   Onondaga Community College prohibits the advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards to students on College-owned, operated, or controlled property, and at any College-sponsored events without prior approval from the Director of Compliance and Auxiliary Services or his or her designee. This prohibition applies to all banks and other commercial entities (including their third-party representatives) that engage in the on-campus marketing of credit cards to students through solicitation activities.

2. Prior Approval
   All banks and other commercial entities (including their third-party representatives) shall be required to register with the Director of Compliance and Auxiliary Services before engaging in any solicitation activities (e.g., "tabling") for the purpose of on-campus marketing of credit cards to students. Such activities shall be restricted to specific sites and times designated by the Director of Compliance and Auxiliary Services .
   
   Upon approval and appropriate registration all banks and other commercial entities (including their third-party representatives) are required to display appropriate signage identifying the bank or other commercial entity they represent. Additionally, all banks and other commercial entities (including their third-party representatives) must verify they have registered with the College, display and make available a copy of this policy, and provide debt education materials noting the responsible use of credit cards.
3. Conditions

All banks and other commercial entities (including their third party representatives) are prohibited, while on campus, from collecting personal information from students specifically for credit card application purposes (including but not limited to: completed credit card application forms and similar material), either at the time of solicitation or subsequently. Such completed application materials may be mailed or hand delivered by students once they have read and considered the materials and are in a position to make an informed decision to an off-campus office of the bank or other soliciting entity.

Additionally, all banks and other commercial entities (including their third party representatives) are prohibited from offering any gifts to students in exchange for completing a credit card application.

Approved by the OCC Board of Trustees June 17, 2014