Effective June 29, 2015, Bennett College partnered with North Carolina A&T State University’s Bookstore to supply and manage textbooks, academic materials and supplies. NC A&T provided a shuttle service for Bennett Belles to shop in the Aggie Bookstore on Saturday, Aug. 22, bringing this partnership to fruition. N.C. A&T Bookstore Manager Catrina Jackson shares what services are available for Bennett Belles and how Aggies alike can reduce their wait times in the bookstore Name: Catrina Jackson Occupation: Store Manager of NC A&T Bookstore

Q: What prompted Bennett College to seek out NC A&T’s bookstore to serve as a textbook supplier?

Jackson: The ever changing and evolving purposes of each campus prompted this partnership between NC A&T and Bennett College. Consolidating the efforts allows more opportunities for both campuses to integrate both academically and professionally.

Q: What types of materials can Bennett students purchase through NC A&T bookstore?

Jackson: Bennett students can purchase or special order any course related materials, books, school supplies, backpacks, and more. Everything except stocked apparel, of which details are still in progress.

Q: Will Bennett students be able to order and reserve their books online?

Jackson: Yes, Bennett students are able to order online and utilize their Financial Aid through book vouchers just as A&T students can.

Q: Has the N.C. A&T bookstore experienced an influx of sales due to this partnership with Bennett?

Jackson: While the bookstore will realize some financial growth, the actual percentages will not be understood until there is more time to establish a trend. When calculating potential increase/decreases in sales, it has to be compared with the same dynamics, so we will not really know until next fall.

Q: Should N.C. A&T students anticipate longer-thanusual check-out lines in the bookstore?

Jackson: The wait time will not be longer because Bennett College begins classes one week later than A&T. There will be some overlap, but not enough to cause increased wait times.

Q: What are some things that NC A&T students can do to reduce their “wait time” in line at the bookstore?

Jackson: Students can help reduce wait time by ensuring that their book vouchers and other scholarships have been appropriated, and also checking their balances. Otherwise, the cashier has to perform a balance check and then proceed with ringing materials. Rental transactions do take a little longer, but the savings is worth it. Students saved $1,101,415 by renting textbooks for the 2014-2015 school year!

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