Campus stores are more than just retail. From boosting students’ school spirit to sharing textbook expertise, the campus store contributes to the experience students have while attending school. Through robust affordability initiatives, stores promote student achievement and retention.
Textbooks are a critical part of learning — when students don’t have their books, learning outcomes suffer. Student affordability remains a high priority goal for administrative leaders because it ensures students are prepared for class and lessens their financial burden.
The campus store should share and explain all the ways it goes above and beyond to maximize course material affordability for students, including offering used books, rentals, inclusive or equitable access programs, etc. The store can step in as a knowledgeable, prominent voice in the campus discussion about course material affordability.
88% of students said it was very important or an absolute necessity to have course materials available at the campus store.*
How do campus stores support affordability initiatives
• Use your course material expertise to guide students and faculty
The course materials industry is complicated. Students and faculty have options available that affect affordability, but if they don’t fully understand how each option works, then they may not make the best, most cost-effective choice. You know more about course materials than anyone else on campus. Using that expertise to help explain how to maximize course material savings will build trust and support student affordability initiatives.
88% of students said they would be interested in an equitable access program.*
• Keep a clear channel of communication open with faculty
Student affordability starts with faculty. While the bookstore can offer more options (when they are available) to help with affordability, textbook prices hinge on the books that are adopted and the timeliness of the adoptions. Keeping clear channels of communication open with faculty about course materials helps lower the cost on your campus.
Share these three benefits of early adoptions with faculty.
What affordability initiatives have worked well in your campus store? Let us know in the comments.
*Barnes & Noble College 2024 Student Pulse Research: New Research Reveals Attitudes Toward Collegiate Retail.
