Navigating Resources at Western Michigan University: A Comprehensive Guide to the WMU Bookstore and Beyond

Western Michigan University (WMU) provides its students with a multitude of resources to support their academic journey, with the WMU Bookstore playing a central role. This article delves into the bookstore's offerings, compliance with federal regulations regarding textbook affordability, and alternative options for accessing course materials.

Textbook Information and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA)

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), enacted in 2008, mandates that colleges and universities, including WMU, provide students with comprehensive information about required and recommended textbooks during the course registration process. This federal law aims to enhance transparency and disclosure regarding the selection, purchase, sale, and use of course materials, ultimately decreasing costs for students.

WMU adheres to HEOA requirements to maintain eligibility for federal student financial aid. As such, the university ensures that textbook and course material information is available by the first day of course registration. To facilitate this, WMU has established textbook requisition deadlines, typically set two weeks before the schedule opens for viewing. These deadlines are subject to change, with specific dates for each term:

Summer I and II: February 15
Fall: April 15
Spring: October 15

Buster's: Apparel, Technology, and More

Located on the first floor of the Bernhard Center, Buster's offers an authentic assortment of Western Michigan University collegiate apparel, including WMU t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other fan gear. Students, alumni, and team fanatics can find official Game Day T-shirts and other merchandise to show their Bronco pride. Within Buster's, TotalTECH operates as an authorized Apple Campus Store and an authorized Dell store. TotalTECH provides a selection of the latest computers, mobile devices, and accessories. They are fully certified to repair both Apple and Dell computers. TotalTECH also has a full-service non-warranty repair center on site for troubleshooting needs. TotalTECH offers saving programs through educational discounts, trade-in programs for in-store credit, and occasional promotions and rebates.

Textbook Alley and Follett Partnership

Textbook Alley, named after the bowling alley that previously occupied the same space in the lower level of the Bernhard Center, provides students with access to coursework materials, supplies, and textbooks. Follett, a company with centralized buying power, supplies customized merchandise for over 900 colleges and 1200 universities.

Alternative Options for Reducing Textbook Costs

Recognizing that the cost of textbooks can be a barrier to student success, Western Michigan University Libraries offers a variety of alternatives for instructors who would like to stop using commercial textbooks for their courses.

Open Educational Resources (OER)

OER includes images, videos, lessons, tutorials, and complete course textbooks that are openly licensed and can be freely used or adapted. Instructors can contact their subject librarian or the open educational resources librarian, Michele Behr, for assistance in finding free-to-use materials for their courses.

E-Books

WMU Libraries provides free access to tens of thousands of e-books, which can serve as course texts or supplementary readings. To find e-books, users can search Library Search, selecting “Books and Media” and using the “Full Text Online” filter. If a needed e-book is not available, instructors can contact their subject librarian to inquire about potential purchases.

Journal Articles and Book Chapters via Course Reserves

Instructors can make journal articles and book chapters available online for their students through Course Reserves. The Libraries will create a course reserve and link it directly in Elearning. This functions as an electronic course pack accessible to students free of charge. Copyright restrictions may apply.

Streaming Video Collections

The Libraries provides access to several streaming video collections, which are licensed for use in classes. Instructors can use entire titles or create playlists of compiled sections from various videos. Streaming videos can be found through Library Search by selecting “Books and Media” and using the “Video” filter.

Read also: CWRU Tuition and Fees

Additional Campus Services

Beyond the bookstore and library resources, WMU offers a range of services to support student life:

Bronco Transit: Operated by Indian Trails, Michigan’s premier charter bus service (family-owned and operated since 1910), the Bronco Transit system provides transportation on campus.
Vending Services: is Western Michigan University's on campus vending services provider.
PNC Bank: PNC provides a full-service on-campus location in the lower level of the Bernhard Center, along with 10 ATMs around the main campus.
Pepsi: Western Michigan University is a Pepsi campus, with Pepsi serving as the exclusive beverage provider.
WASH Laundry Services: With over 65 years of experience, WASH provides on-campus laundry services to residence facilities.
The Spirit Shoppe: The Spirit Shoppe online storefront is a source for Western Michigan University apparel and accessories. The Spirit Shoppe offers high quality screen printing, exceptional embroidery, and a wide array of high quality vinyl products.

Read also: Growth and Community at WOU

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