Dear UC Merced Faculty,
 
UC Merced recently partnered with Follett to operate the University Store. During the transition we have received some feedback and concerns from faculty about the change. We want you to know that we hear you and are working to make sure we provide unprecedented options and customer service moving forward.
 
One area of particular concern is the disruption of the Inclusive Access program. We understand and share your concerns about the interruption of this critical service to students.
 
In response to these concerns, we will have Inclusive Access pricing available at www.ucmercedstore.com prior to the start of fall classes. We will individually contact faculty members who were previously part of the Inclusive Access program with links to their course materials. These links can then be distributed to students. We are also working diligently toward reinstating a full Inclusive Access program for spring semester.
 
Please contact University Store Manager Jon Neeper with any questions or to confirm Inclusive Access pricing.
 
Other developments we would like to share include:
 

  • Follett will soon launch Follett Discover in Canvas, also known as CatCourses. This tool allows faculty to search by discipline, rate and review textbooks and add curated Open Educational Resources to book orders. Course material selections will then automatically be available to students in CatCourses. We’ll announce the launch of Follett Discover soon. A preview of this exciting technology is available here: www.follett.com/discover.

  • Follett is working with students to make sure it is easy to understand what books and course materials they need. Students can discover all their required course materials via the bookstore website. We’re also sending out clear instructions to students on how to access their list of required texts.

  • Follett can also provide a wide variety of items for laboratory sections or other specialty courses. Please request these items with book orders. Items can also be requested by emailing universitystore@ucmerced.edu.

  • Please submit spring book orders by Oct. 15. Follett strives to be nimble and flexible, and we will always work to accommodate every request we can, however timely submission of materials is critical to student affordability.

  • As we eagerly anticipate moving into a state-of-the-art University Store space in the Merced 2020 project at the end of September, we will continue to operate out of the existing Campus Store space in Kolligian Library for the start of fall semester. The text annex is closed due to COVID-19 operating procedures. Students will order all textbooks at www.ucmercedstore.com and course materials will be shipped or made available for in-store pick up at the library space.

  • As we continue to navigate our coronavirus response, the University Store plans to provide additional engagement opportunities to make sure faculty and students get the books and materials they need to be successful.
 
Follett is passionate about helping students reach their academic goals, and we are excited to partner with them to provide the service and support you need. We appreciate faculty feedback and are working to make sure we are providing the best service possible to the UC Merced community.
 
Thank you,

Division of Finance and Administration