Fort Hays State University to Launch New Hybrid Bookstore with Akademos and indiCo

NORWALK, Conn. and OBERLIN, Ohio, June 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Fort Hays State University (FHSU) has announced a partnership with Akademos, to provide a full-service, virtual course materials store and indiCo, to provide the institution with a best-in-class on campus store for all general merchandise such as FHSU clothing and gifts, school supplies, tech accessories and more. The hybrid partnership will dramatically lower textbook prices and provide an innovative and customized retail environment on campus.

With over 15,000 students and certificate and degree programs at the associate, bachelor's and master's level, Fort Hays State attracts goal-oriented students who want premier learning opportunities ? inside and outside of the classroom. The institution, located in Kansas, will launch its new bookstore model for Fall Term 2018.

Via Akademos, a wide selection of course material format options, including new, used, rental, marketplace and eBooks, will provide students with access to over 100 million unique titles at deeply discounted prices. Additionally, students will have the freedom to use financial aid on all textbook purchases, including marketplace items, which offer savings on average of 60% off publisher list prices. Seamless integration between the University's student information system and the Akademos Course Materials Platform (CMP)TM will allow students to see a personalized listing of the textbooks required for each of their courses, and to order materials for an entire term, in less than five minutes.

Using a unique collaborative approach, indiCo, a subsidiary of the National Association of College Stores, will manage all general merchandise for the Tiger Spirit Shop, the University's on-campus store and its online ecommerce site. Fort Hays State will benefit from the company's expertise in retail management, product and apparel sourcing, store design, merchandising, and staffing as well as the organization's customized approach that will emphasize the culture and brand of the university.

"We're so pleased to be partnering with Akademos and indiCo to launch such an innovative bookstore solution," said Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Joey Linn. "This decision contributes to our overall strategy to provide our students with all of the tools they need to succeed, by expanding our offering of course material formats, lowering the costs associated with them, and providing our students with general merchandise and fan shop items that contribute to a complete and successful college experience."    

Akademos' virtual course materials store will support the University's faculty and administrators, who will benefit from an easy-to-use and powerful Adoption & Analytics Portal. This platform offers a step-by-step guide for course material adoptions, recommendations and adoption history, and the ability to compare real-time prices for course materials. Real-time reporting and analytics will also enable faculty, academic leadership and administration to track critical bookstore utilization data (in aggregate for the entire institution and down to the individual class level) that can be easily merged with the institution's student success database.

"Through this strategic partnership, Fort Hays State's virtual and physical stores will collaborate to share connection points such as cross promotion and general support to optimize and enhance the user experience for students, faculty and administrators," said John Squires, CEO, Akademos. "We're pleased to help Fort Hays State University address textbook affordability, service and selection through an innovative new hybrid model.

"Every campus store is different, which is why we take a customized approach," said Ed Schlichenmayer, president of indiCo. "Our team will partner with the store and the administration to ensure that the Tiger Spirit Shop reflects the campus culture and meets the needs of its students, faculty, alumni, and campus community."

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About Akademos
Akademos offers customized, online bookstore services and solutions that support what's most important to institutions - from full-service virtual bookstores to unique partnerships and products supporting on-campus shops. Akademos delivers cost savings on course materials for students while providing administrators and faculty with critical control over the textbook delivery process.

Akademos offers an innovative textbook marketplace, best-in-class eCommerce platform, eLearning solutions, and a unique adoption and analytics portal. The company's comprehensive supply-chain solution and commitment to responsive personal service makes it the choice of leading institutions throughout the country.

Akademos helps institutions deliver the right course materials, at affordable prices, on time. Learn more at akademos.com.

About indiCo
indiCo is a collaborative business model for operating campus stores that lowers the cost of higher education and improves student success. We offer campus administrators and store directors an alternative to leasing or self-operating their campus bookstores. indiCo combines the efficiency, buying power, and guidance promised by corporate lease operators with the flexibility and brand autonomy of an institutionally operated university store. Backed by its parent company, The National Association of College Stores (NACS), indiCo is a trusted partner with deep knowledge of campus stores and an established network of the industry's leading vendors.

SOURCE Akademos