New Bookstore Provider
Moraine Park Technical College has selected eCampus.com, an online bookstore model, as the new campus bookstore provider.
The College initiated a request for proposal (RFP) process as the current five-year contract approached its expiration. A team of individuals from across the College evaluated the responses.
“This role of this team was to select and implement a bookstore model that both best aligns with the needs and strategic direction of the college and provides support and affordable options for our students,” Carrie Kasubaski, vice president of finance and administration at Moraine Park, said. “In total, we had four responses to our RFP. We appreciate all of the submissions and their interest in doing business with Moraine Park.”
The partnership with eCampus.com will focus initially on online access and presence, coupled with key system integrations to provide students with an intuitive purchasing experience. With single sign-on, users can enjoy instant access to a customized list of professor-selected materials, with the ability to choose from a wide selection of course material format options including new, used, eBook, rental, and Marketplace at significant savings. Further complementing the solution for students is the convenience of on-campus package pickup as well as onsite buybacks.
“We not only reviewed student needs but involved students in the process as well,” Kasubaski said. “It became evident that having the option to purchase or rent books and obtain materials online is highly important.”
As a result of this change, Moraine Park’s partnership with Follet will end, and the three campus bookstore locations will close effective Nov. 9.
“We appreciate Follet and the level of commitment they offered to our students and employees for more than five years,” Kasubaski said. “Moving forward, a transition and implementation plan is underway to ensure a smooth transition for the remainder of the fall semester and into the spring semester.”
The College will continue to explore options for smaller and more accessible on-campus bookstore services such as spirit stores and onsite textbook pick-ups and returns.
“We applaud Moraine Park Technical College for their commitment to improve student outcomes by removing barriers to affordability and accessibility with an innovative online bookstore solution,” Matt Montgomery, eCampus.com President and CEO, said. “We look forward to aligning with Moraine Park’s strategic direction that continues to build a path for student success.”
Students will utilize eCampus.com for their fall book buybacks and spring textbook and course material purchases. Additional details regarding the transition to eCampus.com will be sent directly to students and staff.
“We are excited to partner with eCampus.com and move into the new age of online bookstores,” Kasubaski said. “We know that this change will help our continued goal to ensure classroom success for our students.”
eCampus.com
eCampus.com is a premier online retailer of textbooks and digital course materials. Consistently exceeding industry standards, eCampus.com’s mission is to provide the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way for K-12 and higher education students to buy, rent, or sell textbooks and digital content. The company launched on July 2, 1999, the birthday of original investor Dave Thomas of Wendy’s. From the beginning, their driving force has been meeting the needs of the customers they serve. Remaining an innovative leader in the course materials industry, eCampus.com serves over 300 academic institutions through an innovative course material solutions suite, including full-service Online Bookstores and the eCampus.com ALL Access program. eCampus.com’s mission enables institutions to increase course material affordability, serving millions of students to date. Through products that simplify the adoption, management and procurement of course materials, eCampus.com propels student success by delivering the right course materials, at the right time, at the right price.