Faculty/Staff Textbook Loan Program (FSTL)
Program Overview:
The Faculty/Staff Textbook Loan (FSTL) Program, funded by UNC Charlotte Auxiliary Services, allows eligible UNC Charlotte employees to borrow required course materials from Barnes & Noble Charlotte for classes taken with the UNC Charlotte Tuition Waiver. In order to participate in the Textbook Loan program, specific criteria must be met; an FSTL program application must be completed and submitted for each term prior to the deadline, and the course must be a part of the First Day Complete Program.
Faculty and staff approved for the program may borrow course materials for up to three courses per academic year as long as the courses are part of the First Day Complete Program. If you opt out of the First Day Complete Program you will not be able to use the Faculty Staff Textbook Loan.
Exceptions are not granted for late FSTL Program applications or late course material returns. An FSTL application must be submitted before the deadline each term.
This program is funded by profits from Barnes & Noble Charlotte bookstore. Your continued support of the campus bookstore makes this program possible.
Textbook Loan Deadlines and Schedules for 2023:
| Term | Classes Begin | Application Deadlines | Last Day for Book Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Full Term | May 20, 2024 | April 30, 2024 | August 8, 2024 |
| Summer First Term | May 20, 2024 | April 30, 2024 | June 27, 2024 |
| Summer Second Term | July 1, 2024 | June 11, 2024 | August 8, 2024 |
| Fall Full Term | August 19, 2024 | July 30, 2024 | December 13, 2024 |
| Fall Mini Term | August 9, 2024 | July 20, 2024 | September 12, 2024 |
| Fall First Term | August 19, 2024 | July 30, 2024 | October 9, 2024 |
| Fall Second Term | October 16, 2024 | September 26, 2024 | December 13, 2024 |
How to Apply for the FSTL Program:
If this is your first time applying for the tuition waiver and textbook loan programs, read below.
- Log in to my.charlotte.edu
- Click the Employee Self Service icon.
- Select Banner and then select the Employee Information.
- Click on Tuition Waiver-Request.
- Select the button marked Click Here for UNC Charlotte Courses.
- Select the correct Term from the drop-down menu and click OK.
- Result: A confirmation page will display your manager’s name. Follow the instructions on the page to confirm or correct the reporting relationship.
- Check the box next to the course(s) for which you want to apply tuition waiver(s).
a. If you are taking a graduate-level course, read the IRS tax exemption hyperlink and select Yes or No.
b. If you want to take advantage of the textbook loan program, check the I would like to take advantage of the Textbook Loan Program, then click OK.
c. If you do not want to take advantage of the textbook loan program, click OK.
d. If you would like more information on the textbook loan program, click the link for Textbook Loan Program, and click OK. - If you choose to take advantage of the textbook loan program, select the course(s) for which you want to use the textbook loan program.
- Click OK.
When and where do I pick up my books?
After you register for your class(es), the bookstore will prepare your required course materials. Approximately one month before classes start, you will receive an email to your University email address requesting your delivery preference (in-store pickup or shipped directly to you). You will be responsible for shipping costs if you select that option.
When your order is ready for pickup or when it ships, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Your digital materials will be delivered within Canvas and will be accessible when your instructor opens the Canvas course.
All course materials remain the property of the FSTL program. Other books may be purchased that are not included in the loan obligation.
Criteria for Participation:
The Faculty/Staff Textbook Loan (FSTL) Program can be used for up to three (3) courses per academic year as long as they are in the First Day Complete Program and you do not Opt Out of the First Day Complete Program. You must be approved to use the Tuition Waiver program to participate in the Faculty/Staff Textbook Loan (FSTL) Program.
Below is the combination that may be used for the Faculty/Staff Textbook Loan Program.
| Options | Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2 FSTL | 1 FSTL | 0 |
| B | 1 FSTL | 2 FSTL | 0 |
| C | 1 FSTL | 1 FSTL | 1 FSTL |
| D | 2 FSTL | 0 | 1 FSTL |
| E | 0 | 2 FSTL | 1 FSTL |
FAQs about the UNC Charlotte Faculty/Staff Textbook Loan Program:
Are all of my books covered by the program?
Only course materials that are a part of the First Day Complete Program are covered by the FSTL program. Other materials, such as recommended texts, computer software, etc., are not included in the program. FSTL does not cover course materials for those who have opted out of the First Day Complete Program. The course materials must be for coursework at UNC Charlotte.
Why is there a charge for First Day Complete/Niner Course Pack on my student account?
You will see a Niner Course Pack charge on your student account for the course you selected for the Faculty Staff Textbook Loan Program. However, the charge will come off your student account before the end of the term. Please remain in the program if you wish to have your required course materials for the course you selected for FSTL to be covered. If you Opt Out of the First Day Complete/Niner Course Pack program your course materials will not be covered by the FSTL.
How long may I borrow the books?
Course Materials are loaned for a period of one semester and must be returned by the date provided by Barnes & Noble College, or immediately upon withdrawal from the course (within the University’s official drop period) or separation from employment, whichever comes first.
What if I drop a course?
As long as course materials are returned within 48 hours, there is no penalty.
What if I leave UNC Charlotte?
If you end employment with the university, the course materials must be returned immediately upon separation, or the purchase price will be deducted from your last paycheck.
What if I miss the book return deadline or ruin the book?
Course materials must be returned to the Barnes & Noble Charlotte bookstore in a re-salable condition by the due date. If they are not returned on time, or if they are not returned in re-salable condition, they must be paid in full.