New textbook provider Slingshot getting mixed reviews from students

By Seth Dahlhausen and Pulse Staff

dahlhausens@findlay.edu

Students returning to the University of Findlay this semester were greeted by a new textbook provider. But opinions on the new process have varied in its first week.

Wes Kruger, UF Ruscilli Bookstore manager, is well aware of the student feedback on the new Slingshot system.

“I have had a mixture of complaints and people that are happily satisfied,” Kruger said in an email interview.

UF traded its Barnes and Noble partnership partnered with new textbook and course material provider, Slingshot. It is a “subscription-based course material provider” according to the company’s website.

Arguably the biggest change is course materials no longer being included in tuition. The Oiler Day One program by Barnes and Noble included textbook costs in tuition for the previous two academic years.

“Most complaints stem from books no longer being in tuition or frustration with faculty adopting books and not needing them or issues with accessing courseware (mindtap, MyLab, Connect),” Kruger said.  “Students now have more flexibility on how to purchase their books and which books they purchase.  They can choose to charge to their student account or pay out of pocket (cash or credit card).  They have the ability to do a flat rate of $25 per credit hour by opting in to Smart Study.”

For students, implementation has been met with frustration by some in the opening week of the semester.

The biggest obstacle has been the confusion and growing pains with using a new textbook system.

Junior Aaron Modd has experienced issues with Slingshot but is understanding given the circumstances.

“Overall my experience has been a little rocky, but I get that it’s a new system,” said Modd.

Some faculty members share this confusion also, according to students. Junior Kaylee Pajor mentioned that she has received conflicting information from instructors on the new system.

“I’ve heard different things from different professors,” said Pajor. “Like, some say to buy Cengage Unlimited, some say don’t. It’s just a little confusing.”

“One of my professors thought we were still doing Oiler Day One,” said Modd.

Technical issues have also plagued some students and caused stress in the first week.

Graduate student Ethan Underwood experienced trouble when ordering his textbooks and course materials online from Slingshot.

“For a few days, I was not able to order my books online from Slingshot. I had to go in person to the bookstore to order all of my things,” said Underwood.

Junior Tessa Garrett has had issues accessing some of her required books.

“I honestly can’t even access my books right now even though I already bought them,” said Garrett.

On the other hand, students have lamented how easy it is to opt in with Slingshot.

“I had trouble ordering, but the platform was easy to navigate and it was nice that the preferences to opt in were right on the home page,” said Underwood.

Some even opted in the weekend before classes began with little issue.

“I moved in Saturday and did it Friday night. I already had my books Saturday morning,” said Pajor.

The bookstore has also been very responsive to students’ problems and concerns, according to Modd.

“The bookstore has been really helpful with questions I’ve had this week,” said Modd.

Students remain optimistic for the future of Slingshot at UF, despite the initial bumps in the road.

“Once it is more established, I think it will be beneficial,” said Underwood.

“For those that are having issues accessing their courseware they can always stop in the Bookstore and I can help them,” Kruger said. “Instructions were sent to all faculty to give to students earlier this week.”

Vice President of Student Affairs and Athletics Brandi Laurita announced the move in a campuswide email at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.

“We have listened to your feedback and heard that choice is important to you,” Laurita said.