2008 Woodie Awards
Follett to manage campus bookstore
By: Evan Jansa, Staff Writer
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: News
The competition between Validis and Follett is over. Follett will manage the University Center bookstore effective April 1.
Follett is no stranger to the campus, though. Five years ago, the company was operator of the bookstore. Though Validis is currently running the bookstore, their tenure will end March 31.
"Best practices dictates you go back out and see what else is out there," Special Events Facilities Director Greg Pecina said.
The decision to bring Follett back was based on their on-campus presentation, as well as a written proposal. Students e-mailed Pecina following the presentations made by both companies.
"From the e-mails the recommendation was to seriously consider Follett," Pecina said, "We also look at what companies will put in writing. Overall, Follet's financials were better."
Another attractive attribute of Follett is a book leasing system. The leasing system is a rarity in college bookstores, only being implemented in 1 percent of bookstores nationally.
The system refunds 50 percent of the cost of books after use. According to one student, if implemented the system would be a welcomed improvement from the current situation.
"I paid $500 for books the first semester and only got $100 back," freshman Tyler Tomerlin said. "If I got back half of what I paid that would be a pretty nice chunk of change in my pocket."
One stipulation of the system is a three-year adoption policy. Professors would have to agree to use the same textbook for three years, which could be a cause for concern in constantly changing fields.
The leasing system will have to pass a vote with the students. To use the leasing system there would have to be a self-imposed course materials fee to compensate for the extra reimbursement to the students through refunds. Also, a campus-wide agreement among professors would have to be reached regarding the adoption policy. The first year in the Follett system will be traditional until these criteria are met. Minor remodeling of the bookstore is also due in the near future. Updated lighting, a new paint job and new carpet are a few of the possibilities. However, according to Pecina, the remodels will not get underway until the summer.
Follett will soon to be in contact with current bookstore personnel to see if they will remain employed at the bookstore.
"Over the next seven and a half weeks we will be getting ready for the transition," Pecina said.
Follett is no stranger to the campus, though. Five years ago, the company was operator of the bookstore. Though Validis is currently running the bookstore, their tenure will end March 31.
"Best practices dictates you go back out and see what else is out there," Special Events Facilities Director Greg Pecina said.
The decision to bring Follett back was based on their on-campus presentation, as well as a written proposal. Students e-mailed Pecina following the presentations made by both companies.
"From the e-mails the recommendation was to seriously consider Follett," Pecina said, "We also look at what companies will put in writing. Overall, Follet's financials were better."
Another attractive attribute of Follett is a book leasing system. The leasing system is a rarity in college bookstores, only being implemented in 1 percent of bookstores nationally.
The system refunds 50 percent of the cost of books after use. According to one student, if implemented the system would be a welcomed improvement from the current situation.
"I paid $500 for books the first semester and only got $100 back," freshman Tyler Tomerlin said. "If I got back half of what I paid that would be a pretty nice chunk of change in my pocket."
One stipulation of the system is a three-year adoption policy. Professors would have to agree to use the same textbook for three years, which could be a cause for concern in constantly changing fields.
The leasing system will have to pass a vote with the students. To use the leasing system there would have to be a self-imposed course materials fee to compensate for the extra reimbursement to the students through refunds. Also, a campus-wide agreement among professors would have to be reached regarding the adoption policy. The first year in the Follett system will be traditional until these criteria are met. Minor remodeling of the bookstore is also due in the near future. Updated lighting, a new paint job and new carpet are a few of the possibilities. However, according to Pecina, the remodels will not get underway until the summer.
Follett will soon to be in contact with current bookstore personnel to see if they will remain employed at the bookstore.
"Over the next seven and a half weeks we will be getting ready for the transition," Pecina said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jessica
posted 2/08/08 @ 11:19 AM CST
Have u try the online bookstore Cocomartini.com
http://www.cocomartini.com
I get all my textbooks for this semester from this bookstore. All are brand new textbooks and half price discount textbooks. (Continued…)
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