Petition Launched to Support UConn Co-op

As the University of Connecticut considers replacing the UConn Co-op with a corporate entity as its official campus bookstore, co-op members and other supporters have launched a campaign to show the university’s leadership and the bookstore selection committee that it is in the best interests of students and the entire academic community to keep the store as a not-for-profit organization.

In December, the university opened a competitive process to find other possible operators for the campus store after the Co-op’s Board of Directors approached the university regarding some financial issues and concerns about its long-term viability.

On February 8, UConn Co-op will be presenting its proposal to remain the campus’ official bookseller to the bookstore selection committee. In the meanwhile, the Co-op’s supporters are gathering signatures on a petition on Change.org from those who believe UConn Co-op is still the best operator for the store. The petition says, in part:

We believe that an independent, member-owned structure ensures that the Co-op can meet student needs, adapt to a rapidly changing industry, and stay financially and socially sustainable regardless of what the future brings. It is our intention and goal to raise as much support and awareness as possible to prevent a private retailer from taking over the UConn campus bookstore.

If a private retailer takes over the Co-op, you can expect the following changes:

• A rise in textbook prices (The Co-op saves you an average of 9.7 percent compared with Barnes and Noble)
• Loss of the textbook price comparison software
• Textbooks won’t be available all year long (most likely, on a first-come, first-served basis)
• Textbook buyback payouts will decrease
• A cutback in student jobs
• Layoffs of the current Co-op full-time staff
• Decrease of student support services (such as tech repair, shipping services, Apple computer support, orientation packages, graduation ticket sales, bus ticket sales, and, much, much more)
• Less support of student organizations
• Loss of the student voice in the governance of the bookstore
• No more Secret Sales
• Less student supplies available (such as school supplies, art materials, and housing essentials)

On February 8 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, the Co-op will also be hosting a rally to demonstrate public support for its position. A forum will be held following the rally to gather feedback and discuss further ways to forward its selection as UConn’s official bookstore.

More information about the campaign can be found on the official @UconnCoop twitter page and Facebook page.