The University Center Board of Directors voted unanimously May 31 to enter the talks in a bid to maintain affordable options for the HSU campus community. Follett was chosen by the UC Board after presentations by Follett and another vendor, and after receiving initial proposals from both. The UC Board reviewed an analysis of both vendors and proposals that was prepared by an independent university bookstore consultant. The Board took into account the Chicago company’s long experience with hundreds of campuses, including a number of stores within the CSU system.
In light of the bookstore’s deteriorating financial situation, the UC Board, the Business Enterprise Sub-Board and administrative staff have been actively considering alternative management directions for more than a year.
The new arrangement is expected to provide improved services, facility and technology investments, and better options to students, staff and faculty. All current bookstore employees would be retained under the new management agreement, at their current pay rate.
In addition, Follett is committed to continuing the HSU Bookstore practice of hiring student workers and to providing funding for at least two student scholarships annually.
Humboldt State’s bookstore operates under the auspices of the University Center, the CSU-chartered student union. The Bookstore has experienced substantial losses in recent years due to intense competition from online Internet outlets, megastore retail chains, and the recent economic downturn.