The Problem

Students at Laurentian University have been making compromises for years following the insolvency and the cyberattack. We have reluctantly accepted the situation that we find ourselves in, and have remained committed to our studies as the administration helps Laurentian find its footing. 

During the pandemic, Laurentian University's bookstore was "temporarily" closed for in-person shopping. Considering the safety measures needed during this time, this was a necessary precaution. However, the bookstore has not officially reopened and remains an abandoned room. Students have been forced to order through the online Cambrian bookstore, with many unnecessary fees and no pick-up option, or to order through other third-party suppliers with no guarantees of availability, on-time arrival, or cost-effective alternatives. 

The students of Laurentian University should not be asked to make any further sacrifices, and the reasonable request for reopening the on-campus bookstore stands to benefit current and future students. This is an opportunity for administration to prove its commitment to the well-being of its students. 

Benefits of an On-Campus Bookstore

• Inclusion: Laurentian University's mission statement cites inclusion as one of its leading principles. The lack of an on-campus bookstore reduced accessibility during the cyberattack, and continues to be a barrier to inclusion for students who cannot afford expensive online alternatives and additional fees, or whose technology or accessibility needs are not compatible with online texts. 
• Increased Affordability: On-campus bookstores are able to meet faculty requirements, adjust pricing based on student needs, and offer cost-effective alternatives (i.e. offering both new and used for rent or purchase). 
• Rebuild Campus Relationships: Rather than having students call Laurentian for help, for which they can offer none with an external bookstore, an on-campus bookstore will allow students to seek assistance and support directly from Laurentian. This will give the university an opportunity to address students needs and concerns directly, which in-turn gives it a chance to rebuild students' faith in the university following the many challenges they've faced. 
• Potential for Buy-Back Programs: Many universities in the province offer buy-back / sell-back programs in which students can return books they've purchased for a portion of what they paid, which can be put towards their next set of texts and materials. Additionally, returned texts can then be re-sold as "used" books, which provides a cost-effective alternative to purchasing or renting a new textbook. 

Our Request 

We, the students of Laurentian University, are asking the administration to immediately take the necessary steps to reopen our on-campus bookstore. We are asking for a guarantee that the bookstore will be reopened as soon as is reasonably possible, and for a timeline of when we can expect its reopening as soon as it can be made available. Finally, we are asking that the administration be transparent in the process of reopening the bookstore and how that process will increase accessibility and inclusion for the student body. 

Click here to access the letter written on behalf of the students of Laurentian University. 

If you would like to share 1-2 paragraphs on how an on-campus bookstore at Laurentian University would help you, or how not having this service has impacted you, feel free to send an email to mvalliere@laurentian.ca to have your statement included in the letter to the President and Vice-President of the university. If you would like your contribution to be anonymous, feel free to indicate so and we will happily exclude any personal identifiable information.