Ferris State University Partners with Akademos to Launch Innovative Campus Store Model

After a thorough, competitive search, Ferris State University has chosen Akademos as its technology partner to launch a new hybrid bookstore model. Using Akademos’ premier course content platform, Michigan-based Ferris, along with Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University, will move course material sales online while running an on-campus store for branded merchandise and apparel.

“We were looking for a strategic partner who could provide the tools necessary to improve textbook affordability, online solutions, and flexible merchandising opportunities,” said Gheretta Harris, AVP Auxiliary Enterprises. “Akademos had the innovative and proactive solutions we needed to deliver course materials to students now while being able to support our campus store vision for the future.”

In preparation for the Fall 2021 semester, Ferris students can find their course materials—including print books, eBooks and digital subscriptions—on a university-branded website. The site will provide a fully personalized shopping experience, enabling students to see required and recommended materials for each registered course, along with access to all of their digital course content in one convenient eLibrary. The partnership will provide students additional support through an innovative Bookstore Charge Program. This voucher program provides an opportunity for each student to purchase their course materials early with a line of credit of $500 per semester, without the stress of having to wait for financial aid disbursements. The on-campus store will continue to promote Ferris pride with exciting new merchandise, apparel and services for students and the greater university community.

The Akademos course content platform will also provide Ferris faculty access to comprehensive adoption technology including an easy-to-use tool for building low-cost course packs. Analytics dashboards will provide administration real-time data on adoptions, student purchasing trends, utilization, and student achievement. Customizable reporting and analytics technology will provide  an overall picture that will be beneficial to the university as they proceed on their journey to assuring academic success and retention.

“We’re pleased to be working with Ferris State University to build a thriving course content delivery model and provide their students, faculty, and staff additional support through our integrated customer experience,” said Akademos CEO Raj Kaji. “As our course materials solution is implemented, the university’s on-campus store will be freed up to focus on creating value with new services, events, and merchandise to build the school brand.”

About Ferris State University

Ferris State University is home of the Bulldogs, a University that has embraced diversity and inclusion since its founding in 1884 when Woodbridge N Ferris said “My plea in Michigan — and it will be my plea to the last breath I draw, and the last word I speak — is education for all children, all men, and all women of Michigan, all the people in all our states all the time.” This  mid-sized four-year public university is known for its quality of instruction and large selection of academic programs, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees, with unique, nationally-known programs like Information Security & Intelligence, Professional Golf and Tennis Management, Pharmacy, Optometry, Heavy Equipment, Surveying, and Criminal Justice. Learn more at ferris.edu.

About Akademos

More than just an online bookstore, an Akademos technology-driven solution is a customizable bookstore experience every unique institution can benefit from. Whether the bookstore is a service for students or a revenue generator, the platform supports prioritizing readiness, textbook affordability, and retention with all models including Equitable Access, Inclusive Access, Student Choice, or a combination. All aspects of textbook and course material purchasing and delivery are taken care of so you can focus on what matters – student success. A true partnership – Akademos provides unmatched customer support along with access to tools and analytics needed to take each student’s college experience to the next level. Learn more at akademos.com.