1. What is a book voucher?
A book voucher is an advance from your loans that you take out for the semester. It is not separate aid. The voucher allows you to use your excess loan dollars (aka your refund) prior to the semester start to purchase textbooks and supplies, with the charge posting to your student account for your pending aid to cover the charge. A book voucher is created so that you can purchase the required books and materials for your courses prior to the semester refund being released to you. Book vouchers may also be used to purchase school supplies depending on your aid situation.
2. How do I know if I have a book voucher?
If your financial aid funds total more than the cost of your semester charges, you are most likely eligible to receive a book voucher. If eligible the voucher will be automatically generated when you complete the payment process each semester. To check if you have been issued a book voucher, log into the online bookstore via the “Order Books” icon located at the top banner of your Student Connection page. You must be taking a minimum of 6 credit hours for undergraduate programs and a minimum of 3 credit hours for graduate studies to be eligible for a book voucher. If you need an increase or think you should have a book voucher issued to you, contact bookvouchers@davenport.edu with your request and student ID number.
3. How is the amount of my book voucher determined?
Book vouchers are created from the remaining balance of your financial aid funds after tuition, fees, and other charges (if applicable) are deducted. If you have excess financial aid, you will be authorized to spend up to $200 per course you are enrolled in. The amount may be less if you do not have adequate excess aid.
4. Can I increase the amount of my voucher?
You could potentially increase the amount of your voucher if you had additional financial aid funds remaining after your original voucher was issued. If you believe you may have additional financial aid funds and you need a larger voucher authorization to cover your text and supply needs, contact bookvouchers@davenport.edu and make your request. They will inform you whether or not your voucher authorization can be increased.
5. When and where can I use my book voucher?
Each semester has a designated period of time when book vouchers are available for use. They open 30 days prior to the start of a semester or session and close 14 days after that start date. You may use your voucher at the following locations:
- At the W. A. Lettinga campus Tyrus R. Wessell Campus Store
- At the Davenport Online Spirit Store
- At the Davenport Online Bookstore
6. What can a book voucher be used for?
You can use your book voucher to purchase textbooks, eBooks, supplies, and electronics as allowed. You may not use a book voucher to rent a book. If you are unsure of whether your voucher covers school supplies and electronics, you can call the Campus Store at the W. A. Lettinga campus at 616-554-4767 and an employee can check your voucher type.
7. What if I don’t use my book voucher?
Funds that are authorized for your voucher but are not used during the voucher period would typically be applied to your refund, although this depends on your financial aid situation. If you are eligible for a financial aid refund, any remaining funds are directed to your selected refund preference.
This information contains general guidelines, so remember that your situation may have unique circumstances. Work with your advisor to get information for your specific situation.