Muskingum News

Beginning in fall 2021, Muskingum University will provide required textbooks and course materials free to undergraduate students with the launch of the First Day Complete program. Powered by Barnes & Noble College, which operates the Muskingum University Bookstore, First Day Complete will ensure Muskingum students have all the course materials they need for academic success available by the first day of class.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to affordability, equity, and student success, we are delighted that First Day Complete will provide required textbooks to our traditional undergraduate students free of charge,” said Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler. “First Day Complete will ensure that each student will have all of their course materials readily available as the semester begins.”

The University absorbed the cost of participation in the First Day Complete program into its operating costs. Muskingum University is the first institution in Ohio to offer the First Day Complete program at no extra cost to students.

As part of the program, students will select their preferred delivery method. The University bookstore will prepare the materials for each student and notify them when the materials have shipped or are available for pickup at the bookstore. Digital materials will be delivered directly through the Muskingum University learning management system, Blackboard. In addition, First Day Complete fully supports academic freedom and faculty choice. Faculty members can choose the materials that are best suited for their teaching, regardless of publisher or format.

“When students have first day access to their course materials, they are prepared to start learning on day one. By implementing the First Day Complete program, Muskingum University is not only driving significant cost savings for their students, but also ensuring that they are put on the path to academic success from the very start of the semester,” said Jonathan Shar, Executive Vice President, BNED Retail & Client Solutions. “We are very excited to help bring the First Day Complete program to life for Muskingum students, delivering a course material experience that drives affordability, equity and convenience.”

First Day Complete is powered by the Barnes & Noble College First Day® Complete model.