Over 30 students and 10 full-time employees tell us they are at risk of losing their jobs at the University Store after the University’s decision to lease the bookstore.
According to current staff, Georgia Southern plans to outsource the University Store to an external corporation. One potential leaser is the popular bookstore, Barnes & Noble. This has sparked uncertainty for student workers’ job security and future textbook prices for students.
We spoke to multiple staff members to understand how the decision will affect them and other students. The following staff members wished to remain anonymous and will be named Worker 1, Worker 2, Worker 3.
Following a meeting on Thursday, January 9, employees were notified that the University Store will transition to new management this summer. Staff claims that employees are being “invited” to reapply to the store but are not guaranteed a job.
The store will be turning the student-worker positions formerly offered at the University Store to work-study positions only. To get approved for work-study, students must qualify for financial aid through the FAFSA form, compared to student-workers who are part-time employees.
Worker 1 shared their outrage following this notice.
“I think it is inconsiderate and almost disrespectful to ‘invite’ an employee to interview at an establishment that they have been employed at longer than the idea of rebranding was even established. I also find it odd that the employees have been ‘invited’ for an interview when not even half of us qualify for work-study.”
Full-time employees who have Georgia Southern benefits like free tuition, retirement savings plan, and PTO are also being told to reapply at the store, but will not be able to keep Georgia Southern benefits, according to current staff.
With the potential of a private company leasing the store, it is predicted by staff that prices are going to skyrocket.
“I was excited because I love Barnes & Noble, but we are losing jobs and textbooks are about to be probably double the price. I heard something like they’re gonna buy all the stuff we have. They’ll be buying for pennies to the dollar and, like, just getting rid of it. I don’t know how that’s gonna work out,” Worker 3 said.
The contract to outsource the store has not yet been finalized and Georgia Southern has 15 to 20 days since the meeting on Jan. 9 to make any changes to said contract, according to Worker 2. Once the contract is signed, the transition to the new store management will begin in the summer of 2025, according to the employees we spoke to.
“So by summer, I mean, all the bookstore staff, essentially, will be out of a job, which is wild when it really affects the students,” Worker 2 said.
We reached out to Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services Jeff Blythe and received comment from Engagement and Communication Specialist April Burke.
According to Burke, “At this time, the University has not finalized a contract with Barnes & Noble, and no decisions have been made regarding staffing needs. However, based on practices at other University System of Georgia institutions that partner with this vendor, it is anticipated that student employment opportunities will continue to be available.”
We will continue to follow this story. Stay up-to-date on our website.