Book Vouchers Please

Deja McNeal 

Writer

The procedure after receiving a book voucher is very new to upperclassmen at Fayetteville State University (FSU). For the 2013-2014 academic school year, the university has decided to make all book voucher fees available on the student’s Bronco ID card. In the previous year’s, book vouchers that were approved would be given to students via cash or direct deposit. Has this change had positive or negative feedback from the student’s at FSU? That question may depend on the student. 

Book vouchers were initially created to allow students to purchase books and materials for classes from the FSU bookstore. Although FSU has a textbook rental program, there are some course materials that do not qualify under it. Those course materials may include lab manuals for science classes, novels, or online access codes. This is when the request for a book voucher would be essential, so students do not have to purchase materials out of pocket. All book voucher invites are sent to students’ emails and the requests are sent electronically to student accounts receivable. Only ONE book voucher is allowed per semester and they do not exceed $200.

In the past, if students had money left over after purchasing their course materials, they had the opportunity to use that extra money for personal expenses such as: food, gas, or entertainment. Well, that is not the case anymore since the money is disbursed to Bronco ID cards. Students are only able to spend the money received from the book voucher at the FSU bookstore or as Bronco Bucks in the school’s Bronco Grill, Eco Grounds Café or the C3 Express. That may be a plus for some and a letdown for others.

Some students have enjoyed the extra Bronco Bucks and have taken the chance to purchase some school apparel from the FSU bookstore. It is safe to say that the excitement to request a book voucher for some “extra” money has decreased this school year! Let us also remember that although the disbursement for book vouchers has changed, the qualifications to receive them remain the same.

To qualify:

1. Students must have completed all financial aid processes by the deadline dates, which are specified by the Financial Aid Office.
2. The financial aid awarded must be more than the student’s tuition and fee charges.
3. Students must be registered for classes for the term related to the book voucher request.

If a student is denied, they will be informed through their FSU email account.

Book vouchers will reduce the amount of a student’s financial aid check.