Simmons Bookstore automatically enrolls all undergraduate students in textbook subscription program

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Starting in fall 2023, Simmons will automatically enroll all undergraduate students in a textbook subscription program called Simmons Direct Textbooks at a rate of $22 per course credit added to student billing statements, as per May 4 and July 6 emails from Student Affairs.

Simmons students who do not wish to participate in the Simmons Direct Textbooks program must opt out between August 7 and September 29. 

According to the emails, Simmons Direct Textbooks is intended to “[lower] the cost of textbooks and courseware…while ensuring that [students] have access to all required textbooks and courseware on or before the first day of class.” The program includes both paper textbook rentals and digital materials that will be delivered directly to students via Moodle. 

In an emailed statement to the Voice, Simmons Bookstore Manager Marty Freeman said that the direct textbook program has received “overwhelmingly positive feedback” when implemented at other institutions. According to Freeman, students reported higher grades and lower stress and costs associated with buying course materials when enrolled in the textbook program. 

This program will not include consumable supplies, such as notebooks, pens and pencils, lab goggles, art supplies, and other kits. 

Freeman also clarified that the bookstore is receiving “no additional compensation for this particular textbook program.”

Although the program is intended to save money for students, not all Simmons students feel that it will be cheaper for them. 

According to Peaches Collins, an incoming senior and Political Science major, she “very rarely pay[s] much for textbooks, so the whole program would lose [her] money if [she] didn’t opt out in time. And for [her] a few hundred dollars can make a big difference.” 

Senior Public Relations and Marketing Communications major Eduarda Zanoni told the Voice that she also “rarely get[s] the physical book” because she can often find a free or significantly cheaper version on the internet. 

Collins expressed frustration with the way the program is being implemented. She is “upset that [the bookstore] is trying to phrase it as a positive, to benefit us,” yet requires students to opt out instead of giving them the choice to opt in. 

According to Freeman, the Simmons Bookstore chose to allow students to opt out instead of opting in because it is “more convenient and less complicated for students.” Freeman specified that students may choose to opt out at any time in the add/drop period, saying “[they] believe this is ample time” for students to make an informed decision. 

Collins and Zanoni also expressed frustration that the program was announced via email during finals season and again over the summer. 

Freeman emphasized that emails had been sent to students at the end of last semester and that more reminders will go out before the opt-out period ends. Freeman said, “information was also delivered via orientation and through the advising process… [and the Bookstore] communicated thoroughly with the faculty to assist with the launch of the program.”