Following the transition to a fully virtual bookstore in fall 2024, students experienced issues with delayed shipments and costly shipping fees. The administration has acknowledged these challenges and has implemented solutions to improve the process.
Jamie Petty, Vice President of Finance and Administration, confirmed findings from a recent “after-action” review that identified communication gaps between GHC and the virtual bookstore supplier, Textbook Brokers.
“Some of it was just bad communication from, in some cases, the provider. Some cases, maybe we could have done better,” Petty said, noting that both GHC and Textbook Brokers have since enhanced communication efforts. “You know, anytime you do something new, there’s always going to be some bumps, right?” he added.
The decision to shift to a virtual bookstore stemmed from declining profits at physical stores, which no longer covered operating costs, Petty explained. Increased use of open educational resources led to a significant drop in bookstore revenue over the last decade.
“About 46% of our courses were open resource-type courses, which means students weren’t paying for any course material,” Petty said, adding that Textbook Brokers was on the verge of pulling out due to financial losses. The virtual option emerged as a more viable solution, he said, as it reduces operational costs while still providing essential services.
To address timely access to course materials for 8-week classes, “Day One Access” will be tested in the spring. This program places course material charges on student accounts during registration, giving students immediate access to digital materials by the first day of class. For students preferring physical books, the college plans to coordinate deliveries to minimize delays.
“We’re testing Day One Access with select courses, and it should ultimately lead to cost savings for students,” Petty said. “A course material costing $200 might cost only $80 through Day One Access.”
In addition, students will soon have access to new spirit stores, where they can purchase college-branded merchandise and other items. Details such as the official name are still emerging, but these stores will aim to replace the previous options and ensure students can find items they need. More information on these spirit stores will be released in the coming months.
“These new spirit stores will provide students with a convenient way to grab school merchandise and supplies while on campus,” Petty said. “We’re excited to give students another resource that adds to their campus experience.”
Director of Student Financial Services Rebekah Wood urged students to reach out if they encounter problems with the virtual bookstore. Wood encouraged students to email her at [email protected] or visit her team on campus.
“They are more than welcome to stop by and talk to anybody on my team,” Wood said. “We’ll be more than happy to be that liaison between the bookstore and the student.”
The college aims to make these updates accessible to students across all campuses. Administrators encourage students to share their feedback as the new services become available.
