They’re no strangers to new technology, which is why Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the four-year, private university in Western New York transitioned its bookstore online to the Akademos platform. The transition ensures a course material platform, driven by technology, is available to their nearly 16,000 students. The most popular disciplines for students at RIT are engineering, computer and information science, and engineering technologies.
Associate Vice President, Controller and Assistant Treasurer, Milagro Concepcion said, “Akademos was selected for its technology-forward application and its ability to deliver on the requirements of RIT students and faculty. Their platform is designed to provide students with choices for affordable course materials in a convenient way,” She went on to say, “Akademos is a ‘digital native,’ built on the delivery of digital content while having textbook capabilities. Bottom line is Akademos’ vision for addressing the course material needs of our faculty and students is future-focused and best aligns with our technology-savvy RIT community.”
Leading up to the request for proposals from various bookstore providers, RIT conducted student and faculty surveys that drew responses from approximately 300 faculty and over 2,200 students. The student survey provided valuable insight into the students' perspectives when it comes to course materials. Questions were focused on delivery method preferences, costs, formats, convenience, prior purchasing experiences, and more. The faculty survey offered valuable insight into how faculty view course materials, unveiling the importance of cost, convenience, and faculty communication with students when it comes to their textbook selections.
Along with the course material options now available through Akademos and linked in the Tiger Center, a hub where RIT students can find campus information and resources, RIT is also offering a variety of merchandise and clothing through the print-on-demand partner of Akademos, American Solutions for Business.
To read the full press release, click here.
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