Item D Handout 1 - Questions to and responses from U of A - UA Bookstore Charge Program FAQs

Sep 2, 2026

Q&A handout outlines the University of Arkansas (UA) Bookstore Charge Program, responding to committee and public requests. It explains how the July 2005 program differs from the 2013 charge limits, the maximum amount students may charge, eligibility requirements, and whether students sign agreements. It also covers enrollment participation, charged textbook sales share, textbook sales and rental sales data for Aug. 1–Sept. 3 (2012/2013), communication methods, payment deadlines, interest/fees, late-payment penalties, and prior-year outstanding balances.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages41

Reading Time1 h 43 min

AccessFree to download

UA Bookstore Charge Program - Q&A

Charge limit and eligibility

Agreements, maximum amounts, and student participation

Sales data (textbooks and rentals)

Communication and payment terms

Interest, fees, penalties, and prior balances

ITEM D-Handout \#1Questions to and responses from U of A Richard and Mr.Martinson: Per Committee and public's request,could you please respond the following questions byTuesday,September 10? # 1.How is the new UA Bookstore charge program different from the one introduced in July,2005? In 2005 the limit was set at $800 based on data from National Association of college stores averagecourse martial purchases by students.Students were able to charge books and supplies through-out thesemester.The balance had to be paid by the end of the term. In 2013 the limit has been set at $690.This amount was investigated and set by the university's financialaid office and is based on the average course material cost per student per semester.Students cancharge their course materials only during the times listed below for a given term: Summer 2013: May 14,2013—July 5,2013 Fall 2013: August 3,2013—September 30,2013 January 2,2014—February 17,2014 Spring 2014: # 2.Do participating students sign a Charge Agreement?Is there a maximum amount that can becharged?What is it? Participants have to have a valid student ID.Their status as a current registered student isvalidated through the ID office.Participating students sign on the cash register receiptacknowledging the receipt of merchandise and agreement to pay.There is a maximum amountthat can be charged for course materials.The maximum amount is $690. 3.Provide the UA Bookstore textbook sales in dollars and units from Aug.1 through Sept.3 for2012 and 2013,broken down daily. Please see attached. 4.Provide the gross textbook rental sales in dollars and units for Aug.1 through Sept.3 for2012 and 2013,broken down daily. Please see attached. # 5.How many students are enrolled in the Bookstore Charge Program and how many haveparticipated this fall? As of September 3,2013,3,431 students had participated in this program. 6.What is the total textbook sales amount for students using the Charge Program for Fall 2013in dollars? $1,016,384 7.Using the answer to number 6,what is the %of charged textbook sales to overall textbooksales? Approximately 30% 8.Provide a list of other items being charged,including,but not limited to calculators,clickers,i-Pads,computers,printers,highlighters,etc.with dollar amounts for each. Please see attached. 9.How were the students informed of this new program and when?Did the UA send out emailsto students or staffinforming them of this program?Have UA staff or faculty encouragedstudent participation in the program? New students and parents that attended the Treasurer's Office Money Matters sessions atorientation were told about the new program as part of the general information provided.Information about the program was included in the Fall information email that went to allenrolled students in July 2013.This email also included drop information,withdrawalinformation,financial aid disbursement information,payment plan information and paymentinformation.Students registered in the University Bookstore customer loyalty program wereinformed by email.The Bookstore also provided information to students and parents about thisprogram during the summer new student orientation information fair(private stores alsoparticipate in the orientation fair).This information was also posted on the Bookstore website. # 10.How long do students have to pay off the charges accumulated during a semester? The payment deadline for the fall semester was September 30,2013.Students could sign up forpayment plans to pay in monthly installments with the final payment on November 30,2013.Ifthe charge is not paid,the students can't enroll in the spring semester. # 11.What is the maximum amount that can be charged? $690 per term with the limitations given above, 12.Is any interest being charged on the balances,if so,what is the rate?Are there other fees orexpenses associated with the Charge Program? No interest is charged.The University charges a one-time

FAQs

How is the new UA Bookstore charge program different from the program introduced in July 2005?

In 2005 the limit was set at $800 based on average course material purchases, with students able to charge through the semester and pay by term end. In 2013 the limit is $690, set by the university financial aid office based on average course material costs per student per semester, and charging is allowed only during specified term dates.

What rules apply to participating students, including agreements and maximum charge amounts?

Participating students must have a valid student ID and be verified as currently registered. They sign on the cash register receipt acknowledging the purchase and agreeing to pay. A maximum amount of $690 can be charged for course materials.

When are students required to pay off accumulated charges, and are interest or late fees charged?

For Fall 2013, the payment deadline is September 30, 2013, with options for monthly payment plans ending November 30, 2013. No interest is charged; there is a one-time $25 fee for participation in the tuition and fee payment plan, and there are no fees for late payments, though a hold prevents registration and transcript/diploma release.

Sep 2, 2026

Uploaded by Lucas Vance