Onondaga Community College is about to be the first public institution in the nation roll out a new program next fall to give students some relief from the high cost of text books.
OCC is partnering with Barnes & Noble College, operator of the campus bookstore to provide a solution called “Box of Books." OCC President Doctor Casey Crabill says the goal is to ensure that a college degree is attainable.
"Literally, a box of books will be compiled for that student based on their registration. If a student changes a course, they'll swap that book out for the appropriate one at the right time, and that box will be made available before the first day of class."
Craybill says this also provides even more help to non-traditional students who are juggling things such as jobs, kids or community engagements. The textbooks are estimated to cost around $320 for one semester, about half of what they would normally cost. A google chromebook is also available to students who need technology to access their schoolwork. OCC Student Trustee Allison Guzman-Martinez says she’s proud to have played a critical role in bringing the program to the campus to help students who will soon follow in her footsteps.
"I'm a full-time student, I work part-time, so it was very difficult for me to go to the library. I understand what it's like to not have equal opportunity. I'm part of an institution that has created an opportunity for students because I understand how difficult it is to buy books. Luckily enough, OCC was kind enough to pay for my books this year. If not, I wouldn't have known what to do."
More information on OCC’s Box of Books program will be available at their spring Open House on April 13th.
