McMurry University Leverages New Technology to Enhance Resource Accessibility

Students perform better with access to proper course materials. McMurry University is making innovative changes to support this path to student success on their campus starting before the first day of class. The private Methodist university in Abilene, Texas has partnered with Akademos, the leading higher education online bookstore and course content delivery platform. This partnership will move the traditional campus store online and seamlessly provide students with access to lower cost materials sooner.

By partnering with Akademos and integrating the campus store with existing university technology, students will have access to their personalized course materials, associated books and other course content. Multiple purchasing options are available with a single sign-on, creating a seamless extension of the McMurry University student experience. The new online store and course content platform is launching to support the fall 2021 semester.

“McMurry is pleased to be partnering with Akademos to enrich the academic experience at McMurry,” shares Matthew Draud, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. “Access to materials online improves accessibility and offers McMurry students access to the latest editions of course materials, format flexibility, at lower costs.”

The comprehensive Akademos platform will additionally empower faculty with advanced and innovative tools for managing all aspects of selecting course materials. The ease in which faculty can compare prices while considering past selection history, current selections, and recommendations supports earlier adoptions. Real-time analytics features for administrators and faculty make it possible to track student purchasing and utilization, connecting them to a continuous stream of information about how students are interacting with course material content. This digestible and actionable data provides valuable engagement and performance analytics. By using this technology, McMurry students will be supported at every step of the course materials process, gaining day one access to a personalized path toward course success.

“Affordability and accessibility are important elements of a successful course content strategy and using the right technology is key,” said Akademos CEO Raj Kaji. “We’re proud to be partnering with McMurry University to help build on their educational mission and enable students to start class at a greater advantage, leading to overall success for the student and the institution.”

About McMurry University

Founded in 1923, McMurry University is guided by our core values: Christian faith as the foundation of life; Personal relationships as the catalyst for life; Learning as the journey of life; Excellence as the goal of life; and Service as the measure of life. As a vibrant, comprehensive institution of higher education, we offer a student-centered, relationship-based educational learning environment. McMurry University’s intentional one-on-one focus allows students to build meaningful relationships with their professors and fellow students. The University provides students REAL discovery experiences throughout their college careers. Our diverse academic curriculum includes over 55 majors in the arts, business, education, and sciences, as well as pre-professional programs in medicine, dentistry, engineering, law, pharmacy, and physical therapy. Enrollment at McMurry University stands at 1,100 students strong. A member of the American Southwest Conference, McMurry University has 21 intercollegiate sports, as well as an evolving Esports team. Students actively engage with the community and average 24,000 hours of annual service. For our students, the pathway to REALize dreams, careers, and goals starts at McMurry University. McMurry University … Where REAL Happens.

About Akademos

More than just an online bookstore, an Akademos technology-driven solution is a customizable bookstore experience every unique institution can benefit from. Whether the bookstore is a service for students or a revenue generator, the platform supports prioritizing readiness, textbook affordability, and retention with all models including Equitable Access, Inclusive Access, Student Choice, or a combination. All aspects of textbook and course material purchasing and delivery are taken care of so you can focus on what matters – student success. A true partnership – Akademos provides unmatched customer support along with access to tools and analytics needed to take each student’s college experience to the next level. Learn more at akademos.com.