University Bookstore

Students can find their textbook summary in CampS on the UWEC website. This essential list will tell you which books you need, where to find them, and whether they are rentals or purchase items.

So many books! How do I find mine?

Our books are organized by author; look in your textbook summary for the last name of each author and use the alphabetical letter signs in the store to find your books.

Should I get my books now or wait until class starts?

You can get your books whenever you prefer, but the Bookstore will be most busy when each semester is about to start and end.

Can I order my books online?

The Bookstore does offer online ordering of textbooks, but you will be responsible for shipping costs if you get them shipped to you. During certain periods of the year, we will also have an in-store pickup option available on our website.

Can I rent any book?

Students can rent books for classes they are enrolled in, that are listed in their textbook summary in CampS. After the first two weeks of the semester, students may check out any rental book. Only books that are designated rentals by the University may be rented. Purchase items are not rentable.

What do I need before I can rent books?

To rent, students need access to their textbook summary as bookstore employees will not be able to look up this information. In addition, students will need either their physical or virtual Blugold ID through the eAccounts app. Staff will not be able to check out books with your ID number alone.

Can I purchase any book?

Students can purchase almost any book. Books that must be purchased will be labeled in your textbook summary. If you have a rental book that you would like to purchase, you can obtain permission from the Bookstore to do so. Some rental books may be ineligible for purchase if they are difficult to obtain or out of print. However, it is encouraged that you try to rent as many books as possible to most benefit from the rental system. We also offer a section of surplus books that students may purchase for leisure reading.

What do I need before I can purchase books?

Unlike rentals, students do not need their Blugold ID to get purchase items. However, you will need to bring a form of payment as all purchase items are out-of-pocket expenses.

What if the book or item I need is not in stock?

If your item is out of stock, you can place a pre-order with us. The item will need to be paid for in advance and staff will collect information on how to contact you once your item arrives, usually within 7-10 business days. You will need to bring your Blugold ID to verify identity at pickup.

The Bookstore has lots of books, but we also have digital access codes, course packs, safety goggles, model kits, and other school supplies. The first floor of our store also offers merchandise to show your UWEC pride, and lots of other helpful items from deodorant to dorm materials.

Textbook rentals are covered by the cost of tuition. For a small fee each semester, students can check out as many rental items as necessary. Purchase items are considered an out-of-pocket expense.

Do I have to wait until FAFSA money goes through?

As long as you are enrolled in classes, can see your rental books in your textbook summary, and bring your Blugold ID, you can check out books before receiving FAFSA funds. For purchases, students must pay out of pocket with either cash, credit/debit, or check. We also accept mobile payment through Apple and Samsung Pay. If students are concerned about being able to pay upfront, we offer the Zip app to pay in several installments. Contact store for details. If you are a veteran receiving funds through the Department of Veterans Affairs, you will need to create an account with the VA and speak with your VA advisor before coming to get books in order to prevent delay of funds.

All rental books are due by the last day of finals week for the semester they are checked out for. Books that are not returned on time will be subject to fines. They must be put back on the shelf by students in the correct spot or receive fines. If students are unable to return books during store hours, they may use the dropbox located down the hall on the second floor when the Bookstore is closed, or they may ship their books back. If returning a purchase, items must be in good condition with a copy of the receipt and original form of payment. Some items cannot be returned if unwrapped or accessed digitally, and students must keep in mind that deadlines for purchase returns are only allowed through the first week of classes.

What if I dropped a class?

Exceptions can sometimes be made for students who have dropped a class and no longer need the materials. If you have rentals, returning is easy! Just check them back in at the front desk and put them back where you found them. If returning purchased materials, they will have to be in the same condition you bought them in and you will need to present proof of dropping the class.

What if I forget to return my rental books?

You should try to return your books as soon as possible. Late rentals will accumulate fines of $2 per book, per day. These can add up fast, and after a while, the University will not accept them back. These books are called delinquent, and the student will be expected to pay for not only their fines, but also the price of the book. Fines cannot be paid over the phone or online. They must be paid in person or through the mail with cash or check.

What if I lose or damage my rental books?

If lost, students should continue looking for their book to prevent fines. If you lose your book and still need a copy for class, you can rent out a second copy. If students fail to locate lost books, they will be expected to pay for any fees incurred after the return period, and the cost of the book. Reach out to the Bookstore for help if this happens. If you damage your rental book, come into the Bookstore to have us evaluate. In some cases, we may be able to fix it or determine if the damage does not impede learning. If the book is unusable, students should work with the Bookstore to find next steps, including paying the cost of the book or finding a replacement copy.

What if I missed the deadline for purchase returns?

Full refunds for purchase returns are only allowed through the first week of classes. If you cannot meet this deadline, students can bring back purchase items during Spring or Fall finals week to participate in our Buyback program. The program is not a return; you may get back as little as 0% and as much as 50-60% of what you paid originally. This is pre-determined by a computer system based on inventory and professor requirements. The Buyback program will continue while funds are available on a first come first serve basis.

Students should make sure to:

• Keep up with deadlines and return books on time 

• Check their email for updates and notifications

• Put their books away properly to avoid fines

• Make sure to read all posted Bookstore signage

• Reach out to the Bookstore if you need help!