Free Textbooks and Supplies

Free Textbooks and Supplies Initiative

Makes an Immediate Impact on Students

by Kristen Schober

With the start of the fall semester, Villa Maria College delivered books and supplies to students at no additional cost outside of tuition. CollegeBoard estimates that this change saves students and their families an average of $1240 in out-of-pocket costs per year. The College launched this effort to help make college more affordable and easier to navigate for all students.

To ensure all students received the art and design supplies they need, the College partnered with Hyatt’s - All Things Creative, one of the top providers of art supplies in the nation that is located right here in Buffalo.

“Villa Maria is really ahead of the game when it comes to student success,” said JaVonntae Hill, '23, a second-year student dual majoring in game design and animation. “This isn't my first college experience and, compared to other colleges, Villa Maria really goes above and beyond to ensure their students’ success. Eliminating the cost of textbooks and supplies is just another testament to Villa putting education and success first. You truly can depend on everyone at Villa to put your education first.”

The College’s newest student success initiative made a difference right away. “Students are typically floored when they learn that this significant, out-of-pocket cost is not being passed on to them,” said Elizabeth Kerr, assistant vice president for academic success. In the past, students would resort to sharing textbooks or purchasing minimal supplies. Now, they have immediate access to the textbooks and supplies they need to get to work right away. Students and faculty alike are JaVonntae Hill, '23, and President Giordano at the Books and Supplies Distribution Window.

excited to start learning on day one, knowing everyone has equitable access to the materials.”

Lucy Waite, director of library services and instructional resources, was at the forefront of the College’s book distribution efforts. She agrees that the elimination of out-of-pocket costs helped all students start to the semester off strongly. "Students are so excited that they don't have to pay out-of-pocket for books and supplies,” said Waite. “Some of them can't even believe it — they ask if we're sure that they don't have to pay and are thrilled when we tell them it's true. They're able to jump in and get started on their coursework immediately, not wasting any time that they used to spend waiting for their financial aid or paycheck to clear. And everyone can participate in class activities right away too; no one is left behind because of an inability to get course materials."

Despite the high cost of textbooks and supplies nation-wide, Villa Maria College is the only college in the Western New York area and beyond that has directly addressed this major challenge. “The increasing cost of textbooks, art supplies, medical supplies, and more has proven to be a major barrier to the success of our students," said Dr. Giordano. “Students come to Villa Maria to prepare for successful futures and to fine-tune their innate talents, not to worry about the everincreasing cost of books and supplies. Building these costs directly into tuition allows our students to focus on meeting their goals and discovering their paths instead of worrying about paying for textbooks or shopping around for the best deal.”

“Supporting our students in all facets, personal and academic, has always been Villa Maria’s top priority,” said Dr. Ryan Hartnett, Villa Maria’s vice president for academic affairs.

“Many books will be offered electronically and will be seamlessly delivered to students through D2L, Villa Maria’s learning management system,” continued Dr. Hartnett. “We will make arrangements to meet the needs of any student who needs a specialty textbook or a specific accommodation.”