ECU First Day prepares for spring after successful rollout

ECU First Day prepares for spring after successful rollout

ECU First Day, a textbook and course material program that debuted this fall, has saved East Carolina University undergraduate students who participated more than $2.7 million on the cost of textbooks and course materials in its first semester.

Overall, 63% of undergraduate students participated in the program, which is offered by ECU Dowdy Student Stores and managed by Barnes & Noble College. Of the course materials provided, 82% were picked up in person at the campus bookstore, according to store manager Chelsea Havner.

Students who are eligible are automatically enrolled in the program during class registration. Accounts are charged $20 per credit hour. For example, students who are enrolled in 15 credit hours can expect to pay $300 for all course materials. Students saved an average of 44.5% off the regular cost of materials at Dowdy Student Stores this fall.

Students who have an internship, classes without books or free course materials should review cost savings information on the First Day website to determine if they should remain in the program or opt out. Students will receive an email and must respond to confirm enrollment or opt out between Dec. 9 and Jan. 22 for the spring semester. Students will be required to take action by two business days following the official drop/add date.

Participants will receive an email when their course materials are ready for pick up at Dowdy Student Stores or when shipped. Digital materials will be delivered through Canvas.

The ECU First Day website also has an FAQ for faculty and staff. Additional questions can be emailed to [email protected].

Graduate, certificate-only and doctoral students as well as part-time online and summer session students are excluded from the program.

MORE BLOGS