As we speed toward the start of the spring semester, I wanted to send information related to the First Day Complete textbook program.
As you may know, the student bills for Spring 2024 have already been posted. Along with tuition and other relevant charges, full-time students see the First Day Complete Book Charge of $360. I want to highlight a few key points to clarify this charge, the First Day Complete program, and how and where you confirm your decision to participate. It is critically important to understand that EACH student registered for classes (or a parent on their behalf) MUST take action each new semester to ensure proper implementation of the program. Please read on for further details.
1) What does the $360 book charge cover?
Each semester, students have the option to pay this fee to cover the total cost of all REQUIRED textbooks, manuals, access codes, and digital textbooks for ALL of their classes for the semester. The program, administered by Barnes & Noble College, provides delivery of correct editions of required texts on or before the first day of class. Textbooks are issued on a rental basis and must either be returned or purchased outright at the end of the term. The charge does NOT cover “Recommended” texts or consumable class supplies (goggles, kits, etc.).
2) Why would I pay that?
For many students, $360 for all of their required texts is a great deal! For others, it may be less expensive to source their materials on their own from the open market or a la carte in the OWU bookstore. While we believe there is added value in knowing you’ll have all of the correct editions delivered to you on or before the first day of class, the choice is yours! But…you have to tell us what you choose!
3) How do I determine if it’s worth it?
On 12/12, you should have received a customized email from Barnes & Noble College that lists the required textbooks for your Spring 2024 classes. If no texts are required, that information is provided. If a particular course material summary is listed as “pending,” you will receive an update email once a text has been adopted, if applicable. With this information, you can compare pricing on the open market or the a la carte pricing through the OWU bookstore vs. the $360 flat charge to help inform your decision. You can also reach out to bookstore staff to ask about their price-matching program.
4) I know what I want to do…where do I make my choice?
The next critical information will come from Barnes & Noble College via email on or around 12/17. This email asks you to confirm your opt-in by choosing a delivery method for your package of textbooks…either a ship-to address or a pick-up at the OWU bookstore. OR, if you’ve decided to buy all of your textbooks on your own, beginning on 12/17, you can opt-out HERE or at www.owu.edu/ex/firstDayComplete/. Upon successfully opting out, the $360 First Day Complete charge will be automatically removed from your student account within 3 business days. You do not have to make a separate request for it to be waived once you have confirmation of opt-out.
5) How long do I have to make my choice?
Ideally, you will decide in time to have your books in hand when classes begin on 1/17/24, but the window to opt out will remain open through 1/25/24. By default, each new semester, ALL registered students are opted-IN into the program. So, beginning 1/26/24, anyone who has NOT opted out will be responsible for paying the First Day Complete Book Charge.
6) But my student bill is due 1/3!
Correct. It’s okay! If you are still deciding on your First Day Complete option, you can subtract the book fee and pay only the remaining balance. If you remain opted-in, the book fee will remain on your student account to be paid. If you opt out, it will be removed.
7) I still have questions.
In addition to a FAQ website, the most robust clearinghouse of information for any questions related to the First Day Complete program is Matthew Watkins, General Manager, OWU Bookstore. Mr. Watkins can be reached at 740-368-3396 or mwatkins@bncollege.com. For questions related specifically to your student account, please contact studentaccounts@owu.edu. Or, for assistance with determining where to get the best help you need, please feel free to contact me at jlstanford@owu.edu.
NEXT STEPS
A. Find the email from Barnes & Noble College, sent 12/12/23, containing your textbook information for Spring 2024.
B. Compare pricing for your textbooks a la carte vs. the $360 flat charge.
C. Beginning 12/17, watch for a follow-up email from Barnes & Noble College to confirm your shipping preference OR make your decision to opt out of the program anytime between 12/17 and 1/25 at sso.bncollege.com/bes-sp/bessso/saml/owuedu/fdcopt/logon
D. Get your questions answered at the FAQ Website, by the Bookstore staff, by Student Accounts, or let me know if I can help.
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: Auxiliary Business Development
Contact: Jeremy Stanford at jlstanford@owu.edu