Concord University Board of Governors

Policy No. 4

 

Bookstore Policies and Guidelines for Textbooks

 

 

Section 1.         GENERAL

1.1            Scope:

This policy requires an institutional policy for the use of textbooks for a reasonable number of years, as well as, the repurchase and resale of used textbooks.  Both the “Code” and “Procedure” are designed to minimize cost to the student.

 

1.2            Authority:

West Virginia Code §18B-10-14

“State College System Procedure Number 32”

 

1.3            Filing Date:

January 28, 2003

 

1.4            Effective Date:

June 4, 2003

 

1.5            Approved by:

Concord University Board of Governors

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

 

Section 2.         SELECTION OF TEXTBOOKS

2.1            The selection of textbooks is the right, responsibility and obligation of the         teaching faculty in his/her respective academic discipline.  Although the    faculty will determine the selection process, criteria should include:  compatibility with course objectives, writing style/readability level, assumptions of prior knowledge, layout and design, cost and availability.

 

2.2            Once adopted, a textbook will ordinarily be used for a minimum of two   years.  Multiple sectioned courses are encouraged to use the same textbook.  Division Chairpersons are responsible for the distribution and collection of the Bookstore-provided order form, and are further responsible to forward the completed form to the Bookstore Manager for acquisition at least six (6) weeks before the start of a semester or summer term.

 

2.3            The book order form must be returned to the Bookstore by 4:00 pm on the due date to allow the Bookstore time to review book orders, check inventory, compile a list of books to purchase at buyback and to compete on the open market for all available “used” textbooks.

 

2.4            If a book order is not received by the due date, the textbook last used for the class will be ordered and used for the following semester.

 

2.5            A required textbook for a class should not be ordered unless the book will be used as class material.  If required, an older edition will not be used.

 

2.6            Books that are recommended and not required for suggested or supplemental reading should be designated as such.  The student should not be expected to purchase a textbook only to find that the book is not required for the class.

 

2.7            A separate book order form is provided for recommended and supplemental (suggested) textbooks allowing for fewer copies of the textbook to be ordered and stocked.  The student may then elect to purchase the textbook.  The supplemental form is due with the original book order form.

 

2.8            All classes designated as “Staff” for the instructor should have orders placed by the appropriate Division Chairperson.  If a book order is not received by the due date for “Staff” classes, the textbook last used for the class will be ordered and used for the following semester.

 

Section 3.         INTENT TO CHANGE TEXTBOOK

3.1            To minimize cost to the student, the faculty is requested to notify the Bookstore Manager of the intent to change a required textbook at least one semester before the adoption and the use of a new textbook.  This notification allows activation of textbook return policies and returns of surplus textbooks to the publishers and book wholesalers.

 

Section 4.         END OF SEMESTER BUYBACK POLICY

4.1            To minimize the cost to students, the Bookstore will buy back textbooks that have been ordered by the faculty member during the last week of each semester from the student.  The repurchase and resale of textbooks provide the lowest cost to the bookstore, as well as, the students.

 

Section 5.         TEXTBOOK REFUND POLICY

5.1            Refunds will be granted in full provided all of the following conditions are met:

 

5.1.1     New books must be in new condition.  If the textbook contains any marks, names or worn parts, the refund allowance will be 50% of the retail price.

 

5.1.2        Cash register receipts must accompany any return.

 

5.1.3        The last day for a full refund is the last day to add classes for any semester.  No refunds will be allowed on textbook purchases after that date.

 

5.1.4        A Drop Slip must accompany the return.  The drop slip must be signed by the student’s advisor, stamped, and dated by the Registrar’s Office on or before the last day to add classes.

 

5.1.5        The Bookstore Manager or his assigned designee must execute any exceptions to the textbook refund policy.