University News

WIU's Purple and Gold Points Program Expands to Quad Cities Campus

July 28, 2026

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL— Western Illinois University's Purple and Gold Points program is expanding to the University's Quad Cities campus for the 2026-27 academic year, giving students additional opportunities to engage in campus life while earning points that can be redeemed for prizes.

The program, which began on the Macomb campus, rewards students for participating in University events and activities. As it expands to the Quad Cities, the program has been adapted to fit the campus community and provide students with opportunities to earn points through a variety of academic, educational, cultural, social, wellness and service activities.

"I am excited to announce that the Western Illinois University–Quad Cities Student Success team is ready to launch the Purple and Gold Points program on the QC campus this fall. Our Purple and Gold Points program is designed to recognize and encourage student participation within the campus community. Students can accumulate points by attending a wide range of events and then redeem them for exciting prizes throughout the academic year," WIU-QC Associate Director of Student Services Steve Sierra said.

Students can earn points by attending eligible events and signing in through Leatherneck Link. Points will be awarded based on the type of event:
• 100 points: Academic, educational, fine arts and workshop events
• 50 points: Athletic, intramural, health and wellness events
• 25 points: Service, social programs and campus traditions

Currently, 190 point-eligible events are scheduled for the Quad Cities campus during the 2026-27 academic year, providing students with the opportunity to earn up to 5,350 points. Additional academic and volunteer opportunities may be added throughout the year, giving students even more opportunities to participate and earn points.

Students may choose to redeem their points for smaller, instant prizes or save their points for larger rewards. Prizes will range from items such as candy, gift cards and WIU merchandise to larger rewards. The final prize list is currently being developed in collaboration with Quad Cities students and will be announced once finalized.

The Quad Cities Purple and Gold Points program will maintain a prize system separate from the Macomb campus. Only students enrolled at the Quad Cities campus may redeem points for Quad Cities prizes, and points earned or redeemed through the two campuses are not interchangeable. The Quad Cities Student Success team will maintain an internal record of student points to verify eligibility for prize redemption.

To participate, students should create a free account on Leatherneck Link, where they can browse and sign up for upcoming Quad Cities campus events. Events eligible for Purple and Gold Points will be listed on Leatherneck Link, and points will be awarded upon attendance.

Points expire at the end of the spring semester and must be redeemed before the end of the term.

For more information about the Purple and Gold Points program, visit wiu.edu/student_success/ose/purple-and-gold-points/index.php. For questions, contact the Student Success staff in Rocky's Corner or Steve Sierra at SP-Sierra@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing