Fall Brings Cost-Saving Rent-A-Text for TAMIU Students

Rising textbook costs and the hardships they often create for students has prompted Texas A&M International University to launch a program for students to rent textbooks for their classes.

The University’s bookstore, part of the Follett Higher Education Group, will use “Rent-A-Text, ” a program that was part of a comprehensive national pilot program last year that saved students nearly $2 million on course materials in just one semester. More than 90 percent of students surveyed about the pilot program expressed satisfaction with it.

Juan J. Castillo, TAMIU vice president for finance and administration, said the University is launching the program this Fall in response to concerns expressed by students and faculty about the high cost of textbooks.

“We realize that in today’s economic climate, it behooves us to work aggressively to identify ways that we can help our students to save money without diminishing the quality of their TAMIU educational experience. We believe this initiative is both innovative and promising,” Castillo said.

Upon implementation this Fall, the program will provide students the benefit of saving upwards of 50 percent on textbooks. The program is available in store and online, utilizing a national rental database. Students can pick up their books in store and must be 18 years or older as rental agreements are legal contracts. Students will need to provide a government-issued ID, credit card and email address.

At course end, students retain the option to buy their textbook at the end of the semester. Rentals must be returned in acceptable condition after finals.

Thomas A. Christopher, president of Follett Higher Education Group, said the offering is consistent with the Group’s commitment to its college and university bookstores across the nation.

"We have been at the forefront of cost-savings programs for more than a century,” he said, "Helping to reduce costs of higher education is part of our mission, and we look forward to working with TAMIU to deliver substantial textbook savings to students."

There’s an added incentive for students this semester. With the launch of Rent-A-Text, students will be able to enter to a win a $10,000 Sweepstakes.

For additional information, visit www.rent-a-text.com, call 326-2080 or visit the Bookstore at the University’s Student Center.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu