Starting this semester, South has introduced a new way to buy textbooks called the JagPack. With this program, students receive all of their required course materials at a fixed rate of 22 dollars per credit hour. This is an all or nothing initiative, meaning that students must purchase all books if they want to participate. However, students can choose to opt-in or to opt-out of the program entirely. With such a new method in place, “The Vanguard” asked students how they feel about JagPack.

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“Most of my classes didn’t even need a textbook so it makes no sense for me to have it. I was shocked that we were automatically getting it and we really had to go in and actually opt out.”

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“I hate every second of having it because I have to return my materials and if it’s a book I don’t want, I still have to buy it. I didn’t know opting out was an option, but if I had known I probably would have.”

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“I opted in because it was only one download, so it was super convenient. I kinda heard it was a scam though.”

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“I like it because I always buy the books since I enjoy having a hard physical copy, and I don’t really have to think about it. It’s pretty automatic, and if I don’t have to think about it then it’s perfect for me!”

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Of the 14 students interviewed for this piece, 10 were opted into the JagPack program. Of those 10, two shared with “The Vanguard” that they regretted the choice. Four of the students who opted in mentioned that the cost of opting in was less than what they would have paid for their five or six books that were required for the semester. One student shared that the books only being available as rentals caused an issue, and there are concerns for those who wish to keep their books at the end of the semester. The consensus? Make sure to read up on the details related to Jag Pack, and opt in or out based on your needs for the semester.