Minneapolis-based North Central University is moving their online bookstore to Akademos! Our newest partnership with the private, non-profit Christian university will tackle rising textbook costs and equip faculty with course-level analytics on student engagement. Named #13 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, North Central University today announced the launch of a new initiative designed to dramatically reduce the cost and increase the accessibility of course content for its 1,100 students.

Student Success and Student Retention - These are buzz words used on just about every campus and by every vendor in higher education - and they should be.  Student success is one of the most important metrics a college or university should track and measure.  However, it is often the result of many other factors, initiatives, and programs on campus. A few key factors contributing to student success are preparation and engagement in their classes. They need books to study from, and students who engage with material, early and often, continue their academic career at a much higher rate.

We are delighted to announce our newest partner school! Buena Vista University, a private university in Storm Lake, Iowa, joins a growing list of higher education institutions transitioning from a brick-and-mortar operation to an eCommerce solution for course content management and delivery. We will be their technology partner in transitioning to the online model for course material sales. The University will continue to sell merchandise on campus at the new Lehnus Campus Spirit Store, at pop up shop events, and through its food service operator.

We are excited to announce our newest partner school! Saint Xavier University in Chicago has made the forward-thinking decision to transition to an online model for course material and merchandise sales. The move online will increase support to students who are looking for the convenience of an online marketplace.

One thing we can all agree on is that we want students to have every opportunity possible to get what they need to succeed in college. This past year has seen an even greater number of students struggle without many ideas out there on how to help. Students who relied on things such as campus housing, meal plans, technology access, and the library were suddenly without. There is no one solution fits all approach, but we know that the campus store is a vital link to many student needs. We’ve put together a list of 5 innovative ways to help students through the campus store.

We are thrilled to announce our newest partner school! McMurry University is making innovative changes to support student success on their campus and selected Akademos as its partner to move the traditional campus store online and seamlessly provide students with access to lower cost materials sooner.