Rather than wait for a financial aid refund, students who have excess authorized financial aid for the semester have the opportunity to use the money to purchase textbooks and supplies from the University Bookstore.
"I think it is a good idea for students who do not have the money to purchase books and supplies until they are refunded for financial aid, and for those who need their books before they receive those refunds," sophomore accounting major Anna Crabb said.
Students who received excess financial aid between $300-$1,300 will automatically have funds loaded onto their student ID card, which must be printed before the program begins. Funds can only be used at the University Bookstore.
The bookstore advance payment plan program will be available for all qualifying undergraduate and graduate students between Aug. 7 and 19.
Students can view any excess aid through the TigerXpress link in their myMemphis portal. Any amount under $300 or exceeding $1300 will be refunded to the student following the refund schedule and cannot be put on the BAPP plan.
Students are not required to use the excess aid that will become available on the plan. All unused aid will be refunded to students by direct deposit or check after university fees and tuition have been paid.
With so many different resources for textbooks and supplies available to students, University Bookstore manager Donna Collier said it is important for students to understand why a campus bookstore can be useful.
Collier said she believes the bookstore is a valuable and convenient source for students who need a variety of supplies.
"What was a bookstore that sold new and used books is now a campus store that features new and used materials, for purchase or rent, in print or digital form," she said.
"There are many sources online, but as your on-campus bookstore, we are solely focused on meeting the needs of the U of M campus community."
