OSS, through The Parent and Family Grant, donates $5,000 in textbooks to UCF Libraries Posted Thursday, August 22, 2019 @ 3:32 PM As the Office of Student Success team rolls their blue collapsible utility wagon from Trevor Colbourn Hall towards the John C. Hitt Library, Jacob Bonne, Director of OSS, explains how the rising cost of textbooks can impact our students’ ability to succeed, “A 2018 survey of Higher Education students in Florida indicated that 64% chose not to buy textbooks due to the high cost.” Jacob’s department promotes the “Think 30” campaign which encourages UCF students to complete 30 credit hours each year with the goal of graduating in four years. With so many students opting to forgo their textbooks, it can create a barrier to reaching their goal of a timely graduation. The Office of Student Success applied for the The Parent and Family Grant and was awarded funds to purchase textbooks that will be available for students on a first-come, first serve basis for a 2-hour loan at the John C. Hitt Libary. OSS selected books that did not require an access code and prioritized books with a higher cost, as well as books that were associated with classes with higher enrollment. In total, 48 textbooks were donated to the Library. Katy Miller, Student Success/Textbook Affordability Librarian, is the liaison between OSS and the UCF Libraries. OSS received $8,000 from The Parent and Family Grant, which is facilitated through the UCF Foundation and First Year Experience — $5,000 was allocated to purchase textbooks, while $3,000 was designated to Student Care Services. Read more about how students can save money on textbooks at UCF News. Like Tweet Share < Back to News