Frequently Asked Questions

Instructional Supplies

  1. How will instructional supplies (e.g., Cosmetology kits, art supplies, school supplies, etc.) be sold to students? 
    Students may be able to purchase supplies through the virtual bookstore or directly from vendors. Area Deans were required to submit a list of non-text needs to the VPAS office by December 15, 2024.

Financial Aid and Special Programs

  1. How will the virtual bookstore work with programs like EOPS or Financial Aid?
    The virtual bookstore accommodates vouchers for Financial Aid, scholarships, and special programs, allowing eligible students to purchase materials seamlessly.

Compliance with Federal Law

  1. How will the virtual bookstore comply with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) regarding textbook information disclosure?
    The vendor ensures compliance with HEOA. Pricing and textbook information will be automatically disclosed when books are adopted and linked to the college's system.

Vending Machines

  1. Will basic supplies be available on campus?
    Yes, the college is working with its current vending contractor to supply vending machines for items like pens and pencils. The Jaguar Market will also have some basic supplies available to distribute to students beginning Fall 2025.

Textbook Rentals and Sales

  1. Will the virtual bookstore rent textbooks? What about shipping and return costs?
    Yes, textbook rentals are available, and shipping is free for orders over $79. Shipping timeframes are 3-6 business days for Standard Shipping and 3-10 business days for USPS Ground Shipping. Returns will incur a mailing cost.
     
  2. Will the virtual bookstore sell new and used textbooks?
    Yes, both new and used textbooks will be available. The store also supports ZTC/OER materials.

College Gear and Graduation Items

  1. Will the virtual bookstore sell college merchandise?
    Yes, promotional gear will be sold on a print-on-demand basis.
     
  2. How will graduation items like caps and gowns be sold?
    The college is working directly with a vendor to provide these items.

Order Issues and Refunds

  1. What is the return policy for textbooks if a student adds/drops courses?
    Textbooks can be returned, but students are responsible for mailing costs.
     
  2. What happens if a student claims they didn’t receive their order?
    Students can file a claim with the virtual bookstore.
     
  3. What if textbooks arrive damaged or missing?
    Students should file a claim with the virtual bookstore for resolution.

Student Accessibility and Shipping Options

  1. How will the virtual bookstore support students without a permanent address?
    Students can select an option if they have no permanent address and will be referred to next steps. Books approved to be sent to campus will be sent to the mailroom, taken to student services where they can be picked up with a PIN and student ID.
     
  2. Will P.O. Boxes be an acceptable shipping address?
    No, the virtual bookstore does not ship to P.O. Boxes.
     
  3. What shipping options will be available?
    Students can choose from various shipping methods, including overnight and expedited options.

Faculty and Textbook Adoption

  1. How will faculty order textbooks?
    Faculty will use an adoption platform with a dashboard to track updates and deadlines. Faculty must submit adoptions by March each year.
     
  2. What if a professor changes the assigned textbook after the term starts?
    Refunds will depend on the college’s policies; typically, costs for changes are not covered.
     
  3. How will out-of-print or low-stock textbooks be managed?
    The adoption platform alerts faculty about availability issues. Digital versions are often the easiest alternative.

Student Resale and Buyback Options

  1. Will students be able to resell textbooks?
    Yes, the vendor offers a guaranteed buy-back program based on the condition of the book.

Digital Textbooks and Technology Sales

  1. Will the virtual bookstore sell digital textbooks?
    Yes, the bookstore is a leader in digital resources. Refunds are available if the resource has not been accessed beyond the return limit.
     
  2. Will technology items like laptops or calculators be sold?
    We are exploring this possibility - these items can potentially be made available upon request.

Operational Details

  1. What are the virtual bookstore’s hours of operation?
    The virtual bookstore operates 24/7/365 online.
     
  2. Will there be a local representative for the bookstore?
    Yes, the vendor has a local representative based in Monterey.

Revenue and Contract Terms

  1. Will the college earn revenue from bookstore sales?
    Potentially based on the agreed upon contract and sales volumes.