Frequently Asked Questions

When can we purchase textbooks for the next semester?

Most textbooks are ready to be purchased approximately one month before classes begin. Please call us to obtain specific information about your textbooks. Please bring your schedule with you when you come to purchase your books.

How can I get prices for my textbooks?

Click on the Booklist link on the left side of this page and select the current semester from the drop down list. There is also a link for the SMC Bookstore on the A-Z link at the top of the SMC home page.

When is the best time to purchase my books so that I can get used books?

You will find the lowest store traffic and largest selection of used books during the week before classes start.

Why are some textbooks so expensive?

Textbook prices are determined by the publisher and are affected by two factors. 75% of every new textbook dollar goes to the publisher. Of the remaining 25% most goes to support bookstore overhead expenses including rent, salaries, utilities etc. High printing and marketing costs, frequent release of new editions and other expenses also contribute to the cost of textbooks.

Can I have my books sent to my home?

Yes, books orders can be delivered to your home. You may also elect to save shipping costs and have your books delivered to either the Dowagiac campus Bookstore or the Niles Area Campus. Follow the link to Shopping Online on this page for additional information. We accept MasterCard, visa and discover credit cards. You may also use your pell/scholarship as a form of payment. If you have a Pell/Loan book voucher or a third party voucher and wish to purchase supplies or clothing you will need to come to the Dowagiac campus.

What if a third party is paying for my books?

Third party book vouchers come out the Friday prior to the start of classes. You will need to pick up your voucher at the Business Office before coming to the Bookstore.

I received a Pell/Loan voucher for my textbooks. How do I use it at the bookstore?

Pell vouchers are released on the Monday prior to the day classes' start. Loan vouchers come out the first day of classes. A Pell/Loan voucher can be used to purchase any item in the SMC Bookstore. You will need to bring a photo id to the SMC Bookstore to use your voucher it is required by Federal law.

If I didn't use my entire voucher, what happens to the remaining balance?

Assuming you don't add or drop a class the remaining balance is sent to you in a disbursement check later in the semester. If you have any further questions, please contact the Business Office at 269 782-1355 or 269 687-1600, Ext. 1355.

If I drop or add a class can I use my Pell/Loan voucher again?

Yes, if you drop or add a class we can make any necessary adjustments. Please check the supply list available in the bookstore or online for the required supplies you will need for each class, because vouchers will not be adjusted for any additional supplies. A pell/loan voucher can be used up until the last day to add a class.

What is the refund policy for textbooks?

Textbooks purchased at the Dowagiac campus can be returned for a full refund providing:

• you drop or add a class;
• you have a valid sales receipt which shows the books were purchased at the SMC Bookstore;
• textbooks are returned no later than the last day to add classes for the semester

When is book buyback?

Book buyback for Fall, Winter and Spring terms is always during the week of finals. Refer to your current class schedule for the exact dates and times or the Bookstore Calendar which is posted on the SMC Web site.
If you have your sales receipt you will receive 50% of the current new book price; (except for course packs which are not returnable) regardless of whether the book was purchased new or used - providing:

• The instructor has ordered the book for the next semester
• The book is still needed to fill the term's enrollment
• The book is in reusable condition.
• You have a valid sales receipt from the SMC Bookstore.