Muskingum News

Muskingum University today announced the launch of the First Day Complete program, which will provide free required textbooks and course materials to undergraduate students. 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. 

“With First Day Complete, we absorbed the cost of our traditional undergraduate students’ books and class resources into our operating costs without passing those costs on to students,” said Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler. “This new course material delivery model will make the excellent Muskingum educational experience even more affordable for everyone.”

Muskingum University students will start participating in the program for the fall 2021 semester. After students have registered for their courses, they will receive an email from the campus bookstore prompting them to select their preferred delivery method. The 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.