Disclaimer: Originally published on the St. Cloud State University campus paper, the University Chronicle on the Oct. 5 2009 issue. Written by Jun-Kai Teoh, Managing Online Editor.

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The Student Government Association (SGA) Town hall meetings continue each week as Michael Jamnick, President of SGA, receives more comments and feedback from people.

On Thursday, issues concerning the on-campus bookstore was once again brought to Jamnick.

Jenny Bakke, a staff representing the SCSU Bookstores, attended the meeting seeking more information regarding the contract for selling books on-campus at SCSU.

The on-campus bookstore is currently run by Efollett, a company that generally caters to educational institutions and libraries.

Efollett purchased the contract after the previous on-campus bookstore faced bankruptcy.

Bakke was seeking more information on when the contract is due and what the bidding conditions were.

When the contract is due, independent retailers can purchase it and replace Efollett as the official SCSU campus bookstore.

Jamnick mentioned that after the first townhall meeting two weeks ago, the idea of having a book rental system implemented at SCSU was brought up at Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA), the organization that the SCSU SGA is a part of.

“[It’s] something that MSUSA is pushing for right now which I don’t necessarily agree with,” Jamnick said. “Right now it might be a fine idea but nobody has the money for it.”

Jamnick said that Jennifer Weil, the State Chair of the Minnesota State University Student Association, will be attending the next SGA Townhall meeting.

He also mentioned that if Charles Ward, owner of SCSU Bookstore, would attend, they could perhaps discuss in more detail the book rental program.

Bakke mentioned that responses they have received from students regarding their pilot rental program at the University of Minnesota have been positive so far.

The main concern that some students have is that the return policy might be very strict.

“You can write in the book, you can highlight, but don’t drop it in a puddle of water,” Bakke said to emphasize her point.

Advertising and sponsoring opportunities were also lightly talked about by Bakke as it was not entirely clear if they could sponsor on-campus student media organizations such as UTVS or KVSC.

The next townhall meeting is expected to be on Friday, Oct. 9th.

Jennifer Weil, the State Chair of MSUSA, is expected to attend the meeting.

The SGA Townhall meeting times are currently not posted online at the SGA Web site. Students interested in getting more information about the townhall meetings can request more information at stugov@stcloudstate.edu.

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