Textbooks and other academic course materials are vital for a student’s success in classes. Occasionally, students cannot afford to purchase these items on their own. There are several options for help:
- We have a library of books that can be loaned out to students. If interested in borrowing a textbook, reach out to Jay Rader for assistance and to determine what books are available.
- Drinko Library also offers a Textbook Loan Program where students can check out textbooks for select courses. Information can be found on the libraries webpage at Textbook Loan Program.
- For qualifying students, while funds last, we have multiple programs in place in which we can arrange for purchase of their materials to ensure that they do not slip behind in their coursework.
Our program consists of three areas of support. For most students, they will need to complete an application for textbooks shortly after registering for their classes for the semester in which they need assistance. This allows us to notify applicants before the semester begins so they may purchase their textbooks early or make alternative arrangements if we are unable to provide assistance.
Applying for Spring 2025
This portion of our program is funded by the Lake and Louise Polan Impact fund. This program is for all currently enrolled Marshall University students who have registered for courses for the semester in which they are seeking assistance. This award will be determined and distributed before the beginning of each semester in order to allow students early access to their materials and to make alternative arrangements if assistance is not available. Review of applications will begin on December 1 and the application process will remain open while funds are available. It is strongly encouraged to apply early.
Lake and Louise Polan Textbook Award Application
This program is funded by Follet-MU’s bookstore scholarship and the Lake and Louise Polan Impact Fund. This program is to assist students in their first and last semesters at Marshall if they have need for course materials. Applications will be taken until funds no longer remain and will begin processing on the first day of classes. If any funds remain after Friday, January 24, 2025, all other applicants will be processed on a first-come/first-serve basis while funds are available.
Textbook Support Application
This program is fueled by a joint initiative between Marshall University and book publishers to assist students who have a demonstrated financial need in accessing digital materials. This program will begin processing requests on the first day of classes each semester and operates on a first-come/first-serve basis while funds and supplies remain. This is available for all students. Current supported publishers include:
- Cengage
- McGraw-Hill
97Students Assisted during the 2023-24 Academic Year
$281Of Assistance per Student
$27,239Of Assistance Provided for the 2023-24 Academic Year