As the TRU budget for 2017/18 is days from final approval, the Student Caucus is disappointed to have to report that recommendations from the Student Budget Consultation Report 2017/18 to improve the Bookstore have gone unanswered.

Students identified the Bookstore and course materials as a priority area for improvement, and the key issue is the growing unaffordability of textbooks. While the Student Caucus is working on a long-term solution in free, open textbooks, it also recommended that the Bookstore make improvements in the current system. This included greater returns to students selling used textbooks and lower prices for students buying them, more flexibility in the return policy, and extended hours of operation with the possibility of student employment or window service.

“There is no doubt that the Bookstore operates under tough industry pressures that limit the possibilities for dramatic changes,” said Brian Chiduuro, President and Student Caucus Chair, “but students need all involved to contribute what they can to solve the textbook affordability crisis.”

Despite repeated inquiries and multiple extended deadlines, the Bookstore has not provided responses to students’ priorities.

“We have had considerable success this year in having departments across TRU consider students’ needs in their budgeting with varying resulting changes,” Chiduuro continued, “it is disappointing that the Bookstore did not respond at all.”

To stay up-to-date on all of TRU’s responses to your priorities, check out the Student Budget Consultation webpage!

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