Monthly Archives: September 2018

Attention College Students: TD Ameritrade Announces Open Registration for the 2018 Virtual Trading thinkorswim Challenge

OMAHA, Neb., September 27, 2018 – Add it to the resume under “real-world experience.” College students across the U.S. can now through October 1, 2018 register to partake in TD Ameritrade’s fifth-annual thinkorswim Challenge – no trading experience necessary.

Undergraduate students interested in participating can gather in teams of two to four for a four-week competitive learning opportunity with many rewarding prizes at stake, including a $30,000 donation to their college or university.

“The thinkorswim Challenge was created to help educate and build confidence in future generations of investors,” said Lee McAdoo, managing director of investor education at TD Ameritrade. “The Challenge is unique in that it gives students a hands-on approach to managing money in the markets, with no true risk involved.”

The thinkorswim Challenge is offered through TD Ameritrade U, an award-winning educational program for professors and college-run organizations that provides free access to paperMoney, the virtual trading version of the thinkorswim desktop and mobile applications – both of which are recognized as advanced technology for sophisticated traders.

Student teams are not only given $500,000 in virtual dollars to trade stocks, options and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), but also unlimited access to an array of valuable educational resources. Aside from 24/7 online trading support, features built into the platform include: access to the TD Ameritrade Network for real-time market insights from industry pros; TraderTV, for streaming feeds of CNBC’s global networks; and an Education tab, which houses immersive courses and daily webcasts to help students boost their investing IQ.

“Last year, we had 327 schools in 49 states across the U.S. competing for the top prize, and the winning team ended up seeing portfolio gains of 427 percent,” said McAdoo. “It’s exciting to see more schools jumping into the competition, more students using our education, and ultimately more participants walking away with a new, meaningful understanding of the markets and money, whether or not they take the prize.”

Accepting the TD Ameritrade U thinkorswim Challenge
To participate, teams made up of two to four individuals who are students at the same postsecondary educational institution must register at www.thinkorswimchallenge.com. The competition is open to the first 2,000 teams who register. Registration is now open and closes on Monday, October 1, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The four-week competition officially kicks off on Monday, October 8, 2018, and runs through Saturday, November 3, 2018.

The thinkorswim Challenge teams are responsible for managing one virtual portfolio during the entire competition and will do so by placing qualifying paper trades during each trading week. Prizes will be awarded weekly to the top team with the highest percentage gain in the aggregate value of their portfolio at the end of each trading week. At the conclusion of the competition, an additional prize will be awarded to the three teams with the highest percentage gains in their portfolios overall and to their respective schools. Individual prizes include iPads, Amazon gift cards, up to $3,500 deposited into a TD Ameritrade brokerage account, and up to $30,000 for the schools.

The thinkorswim Challenge is subject to full Official Rules, which are available at www.thinkorswimchallenge.com. For more information about TD Ameritrade U or the thinkorswim Challenge, visit www.tdameritradeu.com or www.thinkorswimchallenge.com. For competition updates, follow TD Ameritrade U, @TDameritradeu, and like TD Ameritrade U on Facebook. You can also join conversations about the thinkorswim Challenge using #TOSChallenge.

For the latest news and information about TD Ameritrade, follow the Company on Twitter, @TDAmeritradePR.

TD Ameritrade Network is brought to you by TD Ameritrade Media Productions Company. TD Ameritrade Media Productions Company and TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC are separate but affiliated subsidiaries of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. TD Ameritrade Media Productions Company is not a financial adviser, registered investment advisor, or broker-dealer. © 2018 TD Ameritrade.

The paperMoney® application is for educational purposes only. Successful virtual trading during one time period does not guarantee successful investing of actual funds during a later time period as market conditions change continuously.

NO PURCHASE/INVESTMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE/ACCOUNT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  QUALIFYING FOR A BROKERAGE ACCOUNT, INCLUDING PROVIDING SENSITIVE INFO IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE THE PRIZE. This is a simulated trading competition. Software download (via mobile app or desktop), Internet access, & use of a valid paperMoney® account are required to participate. Contest consists of 4 trading weeks, each beginning at 9:30 am ET & ending at 11:59:59 pm ET: 10/8-10/13/18; 10/15-10/20/18; 10/22-10/27/18; and 10/29-11/3/18. Open only to registered teams of 2-4 individuals who are each a legal resident of any 1 of the 50 US or DC (or a nonresident student in the US on a student visa) & age of majority+ as of the date of registration & all enrolled at the same post-secondary educational institution located in any 1 of 50 US or DC. Teams and each member must register by 11:59:59 pm ET on 10/1/18. PARTICIPATION IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 2000 TEAMS TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION. Normal Internet access, data, & usage charges may apply. Void where prohibited by law. SUBJECT TO FULL OFFICIAL RULES. The team with the highest P/L during each trading week will be the potential weekly winning team, subject to verification. ARV of each weekly prize: $500 per winning team member. Total value of all weekly prizes: between $4,000 & $8,000 (depending on # of winning team members).  At the end of the contest, the teams with the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd highest P/L percentage over the entire contest period will be eligible for prizes. ARV of 1st prize: $3,649 per team member & $30,000 gift to winning team’s school (total 1st prize ARV between of $37,298 & $44,596 depending on # of members). ARV of 2nd prize: $2,330 per team member & $20,000 gift to winning team’s school (total 2nd prize ARV between of $24,660 & $29,320 depending on # of members). ARV of 3rd prize: $1,100 per team member & $10,000 gift to winning team’s school (total 3rd prize ARV between of $12,200 & $14,400 depending on # of members). Total ARV of all prizes: between $78,158 & $96,316 (depending on # of members). Individual cash prize amounts will be deposited into an individual, non-IRA TD Ameritrade standard brokerage account. TD Ameritrade’s normal commissions, service fees, & exception fees apply. Funds may be withdrawn from a TD Ameritrade standard brokerage account free of charge, pursuant to TD Ameritrade’s regular business practices and policies. If not already a registered account holder, winner must apply & be approved for an individual standard brokerage account. Account must be opened within sixty (60) days of the end of the Contest Period. More information about TD Ameritrade’s standard brokerage accounts is available here. More information about TD Ameritrade’s pricing and fees is available here.  Apple, Inc. is not a sponsor of or otherwise affiliated with this Challenge.  Sponsor: TD Ameritrade Services Company, Inc., 200 S. 108th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68154.

Each Gift Card (“GC”) prize is subject to the issuer’s terms and conditions, available at the time of prize award.

About TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation
TD Ameritrade provides investing services and education to more than 11 million client accounts totaling more than $1.2 trillion in assets, and custodial services to more than 6,000 registered investment advisors. We are a leader in U.S. retail trading, executing an average of more than 780,000 trades per day for our clients, more than a quarter of which come from mobile devices. We have a proud history of innovation, dating back to our start in 1975, and today our team of nearly 10,000-strong is committed to carrying it forward. Together, we are leveraging the latest in cutting edge technologies and one-on-one client care to transform lives, and investing, for the better. Learn more by visiting TD Ameritrade’s newsroom at www.amtd.com, or read our stories at Fresh Accounts.

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For Media:
Melissa Matson
Corporate Communications
201-369-5933
melissa.matson@tdameritrade.com
@TDAmeritradePR

For Investors:
Jeff Goeser
Investor Relations
402-597-8464
jeffrey.goeser@tdameritrade.com

New Savings Calculator Helps College Students Decide Best Buy for Course Materials

BOSTON—September 13, 2018—Almost 90% of college students spend anywhere from a few hours to a week searching for the best buy on their textbooks, according to a recent survey. Who has that kind of time?

Thanks to a simple new digital savings calculator, students using Cengage products can get some time back as they decide whether  a new subscription service for textbooks and access codes is the right choice for them.  To reveal their potential savings, students simply type in the ISBN for their products.

The subscription, called Cengage Unlimited, offers unlimited access to more than 20,000 digital course materials, including eBooks, online homework access codes and study guides.  Students pay one price no matter how many materials they use. Cengage, the largest U.S.-based education and technology company serving the higher education market, provides course materials to 11 million of the 20 million students pursuing higher education.

A subscription to Cengage Unlimited, which is available directly from Cengage, online or at campus and off-campus bookstores, costs $119.99 a semester or $179.99 a year. Considering students spend, on average, about $500 annually (with some spending significantly more), the subscription can save students up to half of what they were paying and, in some cases, even more. Students may use financial aid to purchase a subscription.

“At Cengage, the days of spending hundreds of dollars on course materials each year are over,” said Michael Hansen, CEO, Cengage. “The old way just doesn’t work for students and that’s why we have opened up our catalog to offer unlimited access to quality learning at an affordable price. Subscription models deliver an easy way to access content that students are familiar with in their daily life. College is stressful enough – buying course materials should not add to that stress.”

Students using Cengage learning technology platforms, like MindTap or WebAssign, have the option of a print rental for $7.99 with free shipping.  When the subscription ends, students retain reference access to their key course materials for the first year for free.

For more information about the new, all-access subscription service for course materials, or to purchase now, visit https://www.cengage.com/unlimited/.

About Cengage
Cengage is the education and technology company built for learners. As the largest US-based provider of teaching and learning materials for higher education, we offer valuable options at affordable price points. Our industry-leading initiatives include Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind all-access digital subscription service.  We embrace innovation to create learning experiences that build confidence and momentum toward the future students want. Headquartered in Boston, Cengage also serves K-12, library and workforce training markets around the world. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Media Contact
Lindsay Stanley
Cengage
203-965-8634
lindsay.stanley@cengage.com

Dating Rules for Freshmen: How to Successfully Manage the Big Change from High School Dating to College Relationships

Dating Tips to Freshmen From A Senior & A Junior

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – September 12, 2018 – High school dating is like prep work for the far more complicated and adult world of college dating. In high school, you’re living at home and parents are keeping tabs on who you date. In college, you’re on your own – and that’s a big transition for freshmen for whom dating freedom is a new thing. You get to make your own choices about who you want to be a relationship with, and how intimate you want to get. It’s an exciting feeling, but one that that needs to be approached with some common sense.

“You’re not in high school, so if something goes wrong you can’t call your parents to come pick you up or simply drive home,” says University of Southern California (USC) senior Elizabeth Pritzker. “You’re on your own, handling the dating scene for the first time.”

There’s plenty of ambiguity, awkwardness and misunderstanding in the dating field. However, it’s important to put your wishes out in the open before getting close to someone (whether it’s a heart-to-heart connection or just a hookup). To get your dating career as organized as (hopefully) your academic career, read these tips from Pritzker and her USC classmate Sam Skalbania. As upperclassmen, Elizabeth and Sam have successfully navigated the dating scene for a few years, so their advice comes from experience.

● Choose a neutral place for the first meeting. Think Starbucks or a campus café – and don’t plan a long dinner. “That way, if you don’t hit it off with the person, you’re not stuck there for hours,” Elizabeth says. (You can make an easy yet polite exit when you haven’t committed to a full meal.) Or suggest an activity, like going on a hike or working out together.

● Think about what you want, and don’t want. Before you meet your date, ask yourself some pointed questions about what you want from the relationship. “Any answer is OK – it just needs to be about what you really want, not what someone talks you into,” Sam says. “Don’t change your boundaries to impress someone. Stick to your choice.” Maybe cuddling is fine for now – maybe you want to do more. No matter where you are on the scale, get honest with yourself about what you’ll tell your potential partner when the conversation turns to next steps.

● Talk. Unlike your parents’ college dating encounters, dates today should include much more forthright conversation about your expectation for what happens post-date. “Be straight about what you want to do – like, ‘I don’t want to have sex with you tonight,’” Sam says. “You don’t want your partner to have to guess what you’d like.”

● Use a consent app. When you’re navigating the freshman dating landscape, consent apps are a good way to share your wishes with another person in a way that’s easy and transparent. An app like iAPPROVE, which is designed to help you manage relationships, puts both you and your potential partner on the record about your ground rules. With the app, you can replace vague conversations and guesswork with clear guidelines for how you far you want to go. The two of you can define your partner status (like “platonic” or “casual non-exclusive”), and what sexual activity you’re comfortable with.

● Don’t get wasted. This sounds obvious, but in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to get carried away. You can’t make decisions about how far you want to go if you don’t have a clear head. Save the partying for when you know the person better and feel more secure in how they’ll treat you.

● Think twice about dating roommates’ friends. On the one hand, your roommates might introduce you to cool people. On the other hand, if the date doesn’t work out, you’ll be stuck with awkward encounters for months.

● Don’t “ghost” anyone. Unless someone has been too aggressive or made you uncomfortable,  it’s insanely rude to simply ignore texts or messages from someone who assumes you want to see them again. “Do the adult thing and say you just didn’t hit it off,” Elizabeth says. If you hide and avoid communication, you run the risk of someone bothering you repeatedly, trying to figure out if you’re just game-playing. 

The great thing about being clear and forthright about your relationship and dating needs – and getting on the same page with your partner – is that you can relax and actually enjoy dating. “When you feel confident that you’ve gotten the hard-to-discuss stuff out of the way, you can focus on getting to know each other,” Elizabeth says. “That tension about consent and ‘will we or won’t we’ goes away. It makes dating much more fun – the way it should be.”

About iAPPROVEAPP
iAPPROVEAPP, LLC provides technology solutions to help prevent sexual harassment and assaults. Our application creates greater personal empowerment over choices and has been designed to successfully address the human and legal complexities of consensual sex, assist in the compliance with legislative and regulatory mandates, and create a verifiable and auditable capability for documenting personal choices, decisions and consent. Visit: www.iapproveapp.com

Contact
Roxanne Stevenson
Kraves PR
858-366-4859

Deadline Approaching for Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants

The deadline to apply for a study abroad grant from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is Saturday, September 15. Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, will award 25 $1,000 grants to students nationwide.

Awarded twice a year—50 in the spring and 25 in the fall—the grants are designed to support undergraduate students as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields. Interested students do not have to be a member of Phi Kappa Phi to apply, but must currently attend an institution with an active chapter.

“Being awarded the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant truly opened doors for me into places I had only dreamed of going before,” said Grace Kinner, a Session A recipient from Berea College. “Without receiving the award, I would not have been able to travel to Mexico to better my grasp of the Spanish language, understand nuances of cultures other than my own, and develop the independence that studying abroad requires of you. I am truly grateful to Phi Kappa Phi for believing in me and helping me to achieve my goals.”

Phi Kappa Phi gives 75 study abroad grants annually to students on its chapter campuses. Since its inception in 2001, the program has awarded more than $800,000.

The study abroad grants are part of the Society’s robust award programs, which give nearly $1 million each year to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

The application period for students to apply for a $1,000 study abroad grant is currently open until September 15. For full eligibility requirements and application instructions, visit www.phikappaphi.org/studyabroad.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

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CONTACT
Hannah Breaux
Communications Director
hbreaux@phikappaphi.org
225.923.7777

Stand Against Contract Cheating on Oct. 17 International Day of Action

WASHINGTON D.C., September 10, 2018 – The International Center for Academic Integrity (https://academicintegrity.org) calls on educational institutions and governments around the world to STAND AGAINST CONTRACT CHEATING. On October 17, 2018 ICAI, with sponsorship from Turnitin, hosts the Third Annual International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating (https://academicintegrity.org/day-against-contract-cheating/). The goal is for educational institutions around the world to speak with a unified voice and work together to defeat the contract cheating industry (#DefeatTheCheat) and encourage students to #ExcelWithIntegrity. Tweet this news (https://ctt.ac/89Yxb).

Contract Cheating is a form of academic dishonesty where students have academic work completed on their behalf, which they then submit for academic credit and/or advantage as if they had created it themselves. The goal of this day of action is to raise awareness around its existence and the threats it poses to educational systems. As many as 16 million people could be receiving fraudulent certifications on a yearly basis as a result of contract cheating.

“Contract Cheating is a growing threat to the quality and integrity of education at higher education institutions around the world,” said Tricia Bertram Gallant, ICAI board member. “Educational institutions, students, citizens, and governments must take a stand against the contract cheating industry, and as educators, we must work diligently to ensure that we are facilitating and assessing learning rather than cheating.”

On the International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating, ICAI encourages registered institutions to:
– Sign the Pledge – ICAI, in partnership with Turnitin, is committed to bringing attention to this on a global scale. Launching in September, a pledge will raise awareness and drive action about this issue.

– Declare Your Opposition – Take part in the International Whiteboard Declaration on October 17. Have members of your organization write their own message about contract cheating. Post these declarations on social media using #DefeatTheCheat #ExcelWithIntegrity.

– Advance the Cause – Host events that will engage and inform students, faculty, staff, and leaders about the threat of Contract Cheating. Post your efforts to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using #DefeatTheCheat and #ExcelWithIntegrity.

To register and find more information on the day of action activities, go to https://academicintegrity.org/day-against-contract-cheating/. Join the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/444746409270470/.

About ICAI
The International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) has cultivated integrity cultures in academic communities throughout the world since 1992. ICAI offers assessment services, resources, and consultations to its member institutions, and facilitates critical conversations about integrity. https://academicintegrity.org

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Media contacts
Jennifer Harrison for ICAI and Turnitin, 916-716-0636 or jennifer@jharrisonpr.com
Tricia Bertram Gallant for ICAI, info@academicintegrity.org
Amanda Zeligs Hand for Turnitin, 510-764-7600 ext. 1018 azeligshand@turnitin.com

Tweet: Colleges & students take action! International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating Oct. 17. #DefeatTheCheat #ExcelWithIntegrity https://academicintegrity.org/day-against-contract-cheating/

Tags: contract cheating, academic integrity, higher education, college, student, day of action, learning, Turnitin, ICAI, International Center for Academic Integrity, paper mill, essay mill, cheating

Summary: Institutions speak out against contract cheating Oct. 17 International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating hosted by ICAI, sponsored by Turnitin.

#DefeatTheCheat
#ExcelwithIntegrity

DISCOVER INTRODUCES NEW CREDIT CARD DESIGNS CHOSEN BY STUDENTS

Riverwoods, IL, Sept. 6, 2018 – Two new card designs voted on by students are now available. The new designs—Frenchie—a fierce French Bulldog wearing aviator sunglasses—and Iridescent—a lustrous splash of pastel hues—were the winners of a poll that asked students to vote for their favorite of six unique designs.

“Card designs are one way for cardmembers to define themselves and express their individuality,” said Emina Dautovic, senior marketing manager at Discover. “We are continually looking for ways to tailor our products toward our customers’ wants and needs, including by providing an array of card designs that speak to their unique styles.”

Frenchie and Iridescent are available to both new and existing Discover cardmembers and can be ordered online or by calling 1-800-DISCOVER.

Discover it® Chrome for Students features 2 percent cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.1 Discover also offers the Discover it® Student Cash Back that features 5 percent cash back at different places each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants or Amazon.com, on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter, when activated.

Both cards offer unlimited 1 percent cash back on all other purchases, as well as the Good Grades Reward—a $20 statement credit each school year for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher for up to the first 5 years2. Additionally, all Discover credit cards offer no annual fee3 and Cashback MatchTM for new cardmembers, an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back they earn at the end of their first year4.

For more information about Discover student credit card products, visit www.Discover.com/student.

About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America’s cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in 190 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.

Media Contact:
Brittney Mitchell
224-405-0730
brittneymitchell@discover.com
@Discover_News

 

1You earn a full 2% Cashback Bonus on your first $1000 in combined gas and restaurant purchases each calendar quarter. Calendar quarters are defined as the three-month periods beginning January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Gas and restaurant category purchases over the quarterly cap, and all other purchases, earn 1% cash back. Gas and restaurant purchases are those made at merchants classified as gas stations and full service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias and fast-food locations. Purchases coded in categories other than these, including purchases made at warehouse clubs, wholesale distributors, and discount stores, will not qualify. Purchases made using Near Field Communication (NFC), virtual wallets, or similar technology may not be eligible. Rewards are added to your Cashback Bonus account within 2 billing periods.

2Good Grade Reward only available to new cardmembers on or after 7/23/2015 who indicate on their application that they are currently enrolled in college, and whose accounts are current and remain open when the Good Grade Reward is requested. Students with a Discover it® or Discover it® Chrome card who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (or equivalent) during a School Year (September – August) may apply at Discover.com for a $20 statement credit (“Good Grade Reward”). This will be applied to your account within seven (7) business days. One Good Grade Reward per School Year, per account, up to a maximum of five (5) consecutive years from the date your account is opened. Terms of Good Grade Reward Offer are subject to change.

3Discover credit cards: 0%-24.74% intro APR for purchases & 0%-10.99% intro APR for balance transfers for 6-18 months, then variable 13.74-24.74%. Cash Advance variable APR 26.74%. Pricing is subject to change. Rates as of August 31, 2018. Call 1-800-DISCOVER or  visit Discover.com for details about credit costs & terms.

4Only from Discover, as of July2018. No purchase minimums. After the first 12 consecutive billing periods that your new account is open, we will match all of the cash back rewards you’ve earned and apply them to your account in the following one or two billing periods. If your account is closed or no longer in the cash back reward program at the time we calculate your potential award, your cash back will not be matched. You’ve earned cash back rewards when they have posted to your account by the end of the 12th consecutive billing period. This promotional offer may not be offered in the future.

MINI USA OFFERS LOW COST OXFORD EDITION FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS AND GRADS

Well-equipped 2019 MINI Oxford Edition available for under $20,000

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 5, 2018… With college students across the country returning to school and recent graduates coming off their first summer post-graduation, MINI USA is offering the well-equipped, low cost 2019 MINI Oxford Edition to help them make their road to success fun and stylish without breaking the bank. For no additional cost, this unique edition comes with $6,900 worth of optional equipment as standard.

The MINI Oxford Edition is available to current full- or part-time students of any two- or four-year accredited college or university, recent college graduates who are within 12 months of their graduation, as well as students enrolled in post-bachelor’s degree programs, such as graduate school, law school, or medical school. The MINI Oxford edition has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,750 for the 2 door and $20,750 for the 4 door. Pricing excludes the $850 Destination & Handling fee.

Named for the home of MINI craftsmanship, Oxford, England, the MINI Oxford Edition offers students the legendary go-kart handling, turbocharged excitement and iconic MINI design at an affordable price. Standard equipment includes the MINI Connected Infotainment System with a 6.5 inch high resolution screen, rear-view camera, park distance control and MINI Teleservices and emergency call. The MINI Oxford Edition also comes with upgraded 17” wheels in silver or black, automatic or manual transmission, dual-pane panoramic moonroof, heated seats, and a choice of six exterior body colors.

“The MINI Oxford Edition represents a tremendous value for college students and recent graduates who are looking for a fun, stylish car that won’t break the bank,” said Randy Clements, Department Head, Product Planning & Aftersales, MINI USA. “Eligible students and graduates can save thousands on a well-equipped MINI that is ideal to get them to get to campus or their first job out of school in style.”

The MINI Oxford Edition is currently available at dealerships across the U.S.

Click here for high resolution images of the new MINI Oxford Edition or visit MINIUSANEWS.com.

About MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 125 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops.

Journalist notes: Media information about MINI and its products is available to journalists on-line at www.miniusanews.com. Follow us on Twitter at @MINIUSANEWS. Consumer information about MINI products is available via the internet at: www.MINIUSA.com.

Media Contact
Rob Duda
Peppercomm
(212) 931-6140
rduda@peppercomm.com

College Student Reporters Invited to Video Press Conference about Textbook Affordability and New Subscription Service

BOSTON—September 5, 2018—Hey, college student reporters! Almost 90% of your peers say paying for textbooks is their biggest source of financial stress after tuition. College students say they skip meals or don’t take classes because they can’t afford their textbooks.

It’s 2018 – why do college textbooks cost so much?  What will it take to make them more affordable?  Here’s your chance to ask the CEO of Cengage, the largest US-based publisher of college textbooks! Join an exclusive video press conference for student reporters and hear what Cengage is doing to make your course materials more affordable.

What: Live Video Press Conference for Student Reporters

Who: Cengage CEO Michael Hansen

Cengage EVP Sharon Loeb

When: Tuesday, September 11, 2018

1:00pm ET

Where: Register here by September 10 for more details

Cengage PR Contacts: Chloe.Ryan@Cengage.com or Jessica.Kravet@Cengage.com

About Cengage
Cengage is the education and technology company built for learners. As the largest US-based provider of teaching and learning materials for higher ed, we offer valuable options at affordable price points. Our industry-leading initiatives include Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind all-access digital subscription service.  We embrace innovation to create learning experiences that build confidence and momentum toward the future students want. Headquartered in Boston, Cengage also serves K-12, library and workforce training markets around the world. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

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myLAB Box Announces “Safe is Sexy Back to College Guide”

The First Nationwide At-Home STD Testing Service Offers Reminders and Tips around Sexual Health to College Students

LOS ANGELES, CA - With many students starting or returning to colleges and universities, myLAB Box, the first nationwide at-home STD testing service, today announced a number of sexual health reminders and tips as part of their “Safe is Sexy Back to College Guide.”

While sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect individuals of all ages, STDs and STIs take a particularly heavy toll on young people. According to the CDC, they estimate that even though those between 15-24 make up just over a quarter of the sexually active population, this particular segment of the population accounts for half of the 20 million new STIs that occur in the United States each year. When you factor into account the increasingly popular online dating apps, you’re facing a powerful combination that only increases the chances of STDs and STIs for this generation.

The myLAB Box Back to College Guide covers relevant topics to educate and offer students an easier way to take control of their personal health on and off campus:

● Safe Sex Isn’t As Safe As You May Think. STIs are not only passed through intercourse. You can also contract them from oral sex and, in some cases, even from kissing. For example, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea are three infections that can directly affect your mouth or throat. It pays to educate yourself on the common signs and symptoms of the most common STIs.
● Back to School, Back to Testing. A lot of college students are nervous about testing. That makes sense. Teens and young adults are often too shy to go to a clinic or doctor’s office. However, STIs and STDs are a serious health risk. Regular testing is the best way to consistently know your status. One of the smartest moves you can make for your sexual health is to get tested for HPV and other STIs. If you’re too nervous to go to a clinic, you can order an at-home STI testing kit and do the test right in your dorm room. It’s so easy that it leaves you with no valid excuses for not getting tested.
● The condom is one of your best methods of defense against infection and unwanted pregnancies. When used correctly, it can offer a 98% chance of preventing pregnancy. While not perfect, latex condoms are also among the best ways to protect against many STDs and STIs.
● Other Methods of Protection. There are other ways to protect yourself as you go back to school and back in bed. These include the birth control pill, the patch and the ring, all of which are prescribed by your doctor. All of these methods are designed to administer hormones to your body – via pill, a patch that is worn on your skin, or a ring that you insert vaginally – for 3 weeks at a time, with your period occurring in the 4th week.

“Even though you may know your bedroom partners from class, that’s not the same thing as knowing their STI status. College is often a time when students experiment with their sexual activity, have multiple partners and dates, and play it a little loose with the rules,” said Lora Ivanova, CEO & Co-Founder of myLAB Box. “With as many as 80% of infections showing little to no symptoms, you’ll never know if someone is free and clear of STIs unless they’ve been tested. We hope these tips will be a good reminder to college students to practice safe sex.”

myLAB Box offers quick and private tests that can be paid for out-of-pocket (and for about half of the price you would at a doctor’s office). These tests take five minutes to complete and are shipped in discreet packaging. You can take them anytime and anyplace. If you live in one of the many states that offers telemedicine, and most do, you can even speak with a doctor and get prescribed your treatment right over the phone for no extra charge. It’s simply the easiest and most convenient way to be tested.

To help college students everywhere take greater control of their sexual health, myLAB Box is offering a 20 percent discount for all of September with the following discount code – backtoschool2018. And for students with either a medical Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Accounts (HSA) accounts, myLAB Box proudly accepts both FSA and HSA as payment options, making its service even more affordable and accessible for men and women in every state.

About myLAB Box
Founded in 2013, myLAB Box is the first company to offer a nationwide at-home screening platform for STDs. From affordable screening to complimentary physician consultations for positives, every aspect of the myLAB Box service is designed to be safe, effective, and efficient.  By offering testing, screening or testing services directly to consumers, myLAB Box is able to offer exceptional service at half the cost of conventional lab tests. From affordable screening to complimentary physician consultations for positives, every aspect of the myLAB Box service is designed to be safe, effective and efficient. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California. For more information, visit: http://www.mylabbox.com.

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Media Contact
Mike Sanchez
Wise Public Relations for myLAB Box
415.851.0132
mylabbox@wisepublicrelations.com

Reminder Services Launches 2018-2019 Scholarship for Physical Therapy

Reminder Services, Inc., a provider of automated communications for the healthcare industry, is accepting applications for the 2018-19 academic school year.

In its second year, the ReminderCall.com Physical Therapy Scholarship will award $1,000 scholarships to up to five physical therapy students who exhibit academic excellence and a strong sense of personal commitment to continuing their education.

“As the leading appointment reminder service in the Physical Therapy community, we enjoy being able to help aspiring therapists break into this exciting field,” said Zsolt Halmos, Founder of Reminder Services, Inc.

Scholarships are available to college sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate students enrolled in an accredited physical therapy program for the 2018-19 academic year. He or she must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), an independent scholarship management company, hosts the online application process, selects recipients and disburses awards for the program.

The deadline to apply is October 31, 2018. Learn more at https://www.remindercall.com/physical-therapy-scholarship.

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About Reminder Services, Inc.
Reminder Services, Inc. is a Silicon-Valley based company that provides automated appointment reminders. The ReminderCall.com system lets therapists send appointment reminder calls, reminder text messages and reminder emails to patients. We work with an impressive list of Physical Therapy EHRs, EMRs, and scheduling software products. Therapists can customize everything, from voices and languages to delivery dates, times and frequencies. We help adhere to FCC, TCPA, CANSPAM, HIPAA and CASL guidelines.

Media Contact
Carissa Miller
cmiller@applyISTS.com
(615) 777-3735