A petition in support of the UConn Co-op Bookstore, Storrs, Conn., which university officials are considering outsourcing, has been posted online and drawn more than 2,700 signatures as of this morning. Addressed to Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, UConn president Susan Herbst and other UConn officials, the petition reads, in part:
"We are a not-for-profit organization, owned by its members, the majority being students. We believe that an independent, member-owned structure ensures that the Co-op can meet student needs, adapt to a rapidly changing industry, and stay financially and socially sustainable regardless of what the future brings. It is our intention and goal to raise as much support and awareness as possible to prevent a private retailer from taking over the UConn campus bookstore.
"If a private retailer takes over the Co-op, you can expect the following changes:
- Loss of the textbook price comparison software
- Textbooks won't be available all year long (most likely, on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Textbook buyback payouts will decrease
- A cutback in student jobs
- Layoffs of the current Co-op full-time staff
- Decrease of student support services (such as tech repair, shipping services, Apple computer support, orientation packages, graduation ticket sales, bus ticket sales, and, much, much more)
- Less support of student organizations
- Loss of the student voice in the governance of the bookstore
- No more Secret Sales
- Less student supplies available (such as school supplies, art materials, and housing essentials)"
The petition notes that on Monday, February 8, the Co-op will give its proposal to the selection committee and from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, also on the 8th, there will be a rally and forum on behalf of the Co-op on campus.