STAY program information
We’re excited to introduce an improved textbook program called the STAY (Spartan Textbook Affordability at York) Program. This program is designed to make getting your required course materials easier and aims to reduce the cost of course materials while increasing accessibility and convenience for all students.
We’ve partnered with the online bookstore, VitalSource, to streamline the process and ensure you receive your course materials on time and in new easy-to-access formats. This updated program directly reflects feedback we’ve heard from students and faculty—we know receiving the right materials on time matters.
Textbooks and course materials will be included as a per credit charge on your tuition statement to ensure that you receive the best prices and are prepared for your classes on the first day.
How does it work?
Faculty select the course materials they want to use for their courses and submit it through the online bookstore website. VitalSource then sources the materials in physical and digital formats, depending on the course.
All full & part-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the program with the option to opt out until the drop/add date. Once you have successfully registered for the upcoming term, materials are compiled, and physical textbooks are mailed to campus and digital course material access information is emailed.
You will then pick up physical textbooks from the Spartan Store and access digital materials 2 weeks before the first day of class (or when you arrive to campus) without having to place individual orders.
The cost is included on your tuition statement and calculated on a $23 per credit charge, regardless of how much each individual textbook costs. If you want to opt out of the program, you can do so through the website. Opt out due dates will be posted and communicated each term. If you’re considering opting out, please review your price comparison tool first—many students find the bundled cost is significantly lower than purchasing individually.
Is STAY for all terms?
No, it will only be offered for FALL and SPRING terms only. Summer term students will purchase their materials from the online bookstore.
Students NOT being included in the STAY Program
· Graduate level students
· Dual-Enrollment students
· College in High School
· iDesign (full and part-time)
· ZZ Course students
· non-matriculated undergraduate students
How do I access the online bookstore website?
You can access from the MyYCP Apps page under the Online Bookstore icon. You will also be notified once the website is fully integrated and ready to visit. This should be around July 20th 2016.
Can I purchase textbooks from the Spartan Store?
No. The Spartan Store does not carry textbooks (physical or digital) for purchase. You will be notified via email that your materials have been delivered to the Spartan Store and a ready to pick up.
What course materials are NOT included in STAY?
· Art kits & art supplies
· Nursing scrubs
· Goggles for labs
These types of items (if needed) will be listed with a link to the Spartan Store in the course notes section of each course for purchase.
What are the benefits for students?
This program saves you money and ensures you are prepared for classes on the first day.
Key features include:
● High-quality, low-cost course materials for all of your registered courses.
● A personalized website showing your courses and the course materials you will receive.
● Delivery of all materials prior to the first day of class.
● An integrated system where digital materials are easily referenced online through the VitalSource Bookshelf (e-Library).
● Year-round student support with 24/7 availability during the back-to-school season.
York College STAY Program Info:
Online Bookstore and Customer Support: ycp.textbookx.com
Physical Course Material Delivery Location: Spartan Store – Lower-Level Student Union Building
Digital Course Materials: Canvas and VitalSource Bookshelf (e-Library)
STAY Total Access Program Walkthrough Video
Thank you for your attention to this new and exciting venture for York College!
Adam Smith
York College Spartan Store | Online Bookstore Liaison
Store FAQs
If you find a current lower price within 7 days after purchase, we will adjust your payment to the lower price, upon request.
Returns are easy at the Spartan Store! Your receipt and the original form of payment will be needed for all returns.
Electronic Returns
- Computers are non-returnable.
- All other electronic devices, including calculators, can be returned within 30 days of purchase if unused and in original packaging.
- Product packaging cannot be opened or damaged.
Merchandise and Gift Returns
- Clothing and gift items must be returned within 30 days of purchase.
- All items must be unused, unwashed, and with tags attached
- Gift cards are non-refundable.
Course Related Supplies Returns
- Course related supplies including Art Kits and Course Notes/Lab Manuals may be returned two weeks after the start of a semester. We will not accept any returns that appear to be used or missing components. Receipt is required.
Shipping Return Policy
- Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Exchanges
To complete an exchange please follow the below steps
Note: For exchanges, the customer must pay the shipping to the Spartan Store. The Spartan Store will ship the exchange back for free.
- Include a note inside your package with the following: Your full name, phone number, and e-mail address
Send your return product(s) to the address below:
York College of PA
Spartan Store
441 Country Club Rd
York, PA 17403
Student Union Building - Lower Level441 Country Club Road
York, PA 17403
717.849.1699
If you live in Maryland and choose to get your order shipped to you, you will pay tax on all items within your order. If you live in Maryland, but choose in-store pick up, you will not pay tax.
Taking Control of Credit Card Debt
If you are making only the minimum
monthly payment on your credit card, you’re doing yourself a huge
disservice. Instead, take the necessary
steps to get your credit card debt under control.
Signs You Could Be Heading for Trouble
- Depending on credit to pay for the basics like food and utilities
- Responding to offers to transfer balances from one card to another
- Increasing your limits
- Leaving no cushion in your financial life for even a small or unplanned expenditure
- Making only minimum monthly payments
- Ignoring credit card statements (or other bills)
- Maxing out all your credit cards
Fixing the Problem
You don’t have to face this alone. It’s easy to lose control of your spending, but there are ways to regain control. Gaining control involves taking deliberate positive steps and possibly even getting help.
The first step is to take a realistic assessment of your budget. If you haven’t set up a budget, now is the time to begin. You can also track your spending using an excel spreadsheet to create a budget. Knowing what money is coming in (income) and what money is going out (expenses) is critical when determining steps to fix the problem. The internet is a great source for student budget templates.
Consider using the credit card with the most favorable terms and limit the number of credit cards you have -- too many open lines of credit may have a negative impact on your credit score.
What Improves a Credit Score?
- Paying bills on time.
- Having a small outstanding balance in proportion to total credit lines
- Having a reasonable number of credit cards.
What Hurts a Credit Score?
- Missing payments or failing to pay at least the minimum amount due.
- Having delinquent accounts.
- “Maxing out” your credit cards.
- A short credit history
- Declaring bankruptcy
Benefits of Good Credit
Being creditworthy may provide you with easier access to credit. You may also benefit from:
- The ability to purchase a product or obtain a service that may not otherwise be affordable if it had to be
paid for upfront. - It may be easier to rent an apartment, especially if the tenant is likely to pay their rent on time.
- It can be more convenient (or safe)
to not carry large amounts of cash. - The peace of mind that comes from
having emergency funds for unexpected expenses. - Simplified recordkeeping with possibly only one monthly bill.
- Optimal interest rates, terms, and a reduction in the costs associated with loans, credit cards, insurance and other financial resources.
Consequences of Poor Credit
Poor credit may result in several negative consequences. Some examples may include:
- Failing to qualify for the purchase of a home, car, or another “big-ticket” item.
- Paying more for a loan because of
higher interest rates and fees. - Limited opportunities to access
different types of financial resources such as loans, credit cards, insurance, etc. or possibly difficulty entering or obtaining contractual
agreements.
Tips for Wisely Managing Credit
- Pay your bills on time. This makes
up the largest part of your credit score. - If possible, pay your bill in full each month, or at least pay more than the minimum due. When possible, apply extra payments toward the highest interest rate debt.
- Limit the amount of debt on open lines of credit and limit the number of new lines of credit. Credit inquiries impact credit score.
- Don’t close all your existing accounts or lines of credit. The length of credit history has an impact on your credit score.