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Trash Can Problems in the Convenience Store

The Student Union Bldg convenience store has been having a trash management problem. Trash cans are overflowing and becoming a mess during the weekend. The SeoulTech has investigated this matter and found that the convenience store is operated by SeoulTech Univcoop.

The SeoulTech made an inquiry about the trash cans to SeoulTech Univcoop and asked how they are handling the situation. The Coop acknowledges the problems with the trash cans and is working to resolve the issue. They previously managed this by staffing employees on Saturdays and Sundays during the spring semester.

However, current staff shortages have led to the problem this semester. The Co-op is actively working to hire new weekend staff to address the problem. Meanwhile, they are requesting students to cooperate in creating a clean environment by minimizing waste and using nearby trash cans.

 

The SeoulTech, while researching the convenience store, has discovered that SeoulTech Univcoop is in charge of many different stores on campus and offers benefits to its members. We would like to introduce readers to SeoulTech Univcoop and its role at SeoulTech.

 

What is SeoulTech Univcoop?

SeoulTech Univcoop also known as Seoul National University of Science and Technology Cooperative is a non-profit consumer cooperative on SeoulTech campus. It was established on June 20, 2013, by the members of SeoulTech community and aims to provide its members with high-quality welfare services while minimizing costs. There are currently 991 members, and the total investment amounts to 65.85 million won.

The surplus generated from the operation of the Co-op is used for the welfare of members in SeoulTech through scholarships, development funds, and facility reinvestment. The use of the surplus is conducted with the members' agreement, and a portion of the surplus is also returned to the members as dividends.

 

SeoulTech Univcoop operates a lot of different stores on campus. The Co-op oversees most of the cafés on campus, including those in Sangsang Hall, Central Library, Mugung Hall, Techno Cube, Frontier Hall, and the Student Union Bldg. The Co-op also manages the cafeteria in Student Union Bldg.2 and the convenience stores in the Student Union buildings. The Co-op offers a gift shop, bookstore, and copy store located in The 100th Memorial Hall.

 

Unlike common misconceptions, all baristas and store managers associated with SeoulTech Univcoop are not individual business owners, but are employees of the Co-op. This ensures consistent quality and service across the cafés. This also enables centralized management and resource sharing, potentially reducing costs and improving efficiency. As part of the university ecosystem, the Co-op can implement policies that are more accommodating to students.

 

The Benefits of Becoming a Member

When an individual becomes a member of the Co-op, they become entitled to a lot of different benefits. One of the most noteworthy benefits is the café coupon. Upon registration, members receive a multi-use coupon valid at above-mentioned six café locations. This coupon facilitates a stamp-collection system, whereby each purchase of a handcrafted beverage earns one stamp. After accumulating ten stamps, members are entitled to redeem a complimentary hot americano.

The café coupon can be used interchangeably at the cafés, with some locations like the Sangsang café and Student Union Building café offering a convenient coupon box for storage between visits. Note that members will not be able to receive a stamp on the coupon when ordering baked goods, bottled drinks, and set menus. Also, there is the option for earning 3% in reward points instead of collecting the stamp.

 

Another benefit that members are eligible for are annual investment dividends, but only when there is financial surplus. The dividend rate is determined each March at the Regular General Assembly, with recent rates being 0% in 2021 (due to COVID-19 impact), and 5% in both 2022 and 2023. To qualify for the dividend, individuals must be members as of December 31 of the respective year.

 

Membership Details

To become a member of the SeoulTech Univcoop, an individual must be one of the following: SeoulTech faculty, SeoulTech employee or assistant, SeoulTech student (including graduates), SeoulTech Univcoop employee, or anyone who has an address or place of business within the service area of SeoulTech Univcoop. International students at SeoulTech are also eligible for Co-op membership. However, international members must have an ARC residence number and a Korean bank account.

 

The official sign-up process is the following: an individual who wants to join must complete an application form available at the Co-op office and stores. The applicant must then wire a deposit of 10,000 won. Lastly, the individual must submit the application to the Co-op office located in The 100th Memorial Hall.

However, when applying at one of the stores, individuals can choose cash payment instead of wire transfer. Also, submitting the application to the office is not necessary, because the store will do it instead.

 

Membership cancellation is simple. An individual who would like to withdraw from the Co-op must visit the office and submit a withdrawal application. The 10,000 won deposit is returned once the withdrawal is approved. The individual will also receive the dividend that they have accumulated through the deposit.

 

Reporter,

Jinpyo Hong undohere@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 홍진표

• 직책 :
• e-mail : undohere@seoultech.ac.kr