The University Bookstore is located in the Harre Union where you can purchase your textbooks and course-related materials, as well as Valpo apparel and accessories. The University Bookstore also sells software at academic pricing and allows students to sell back textbooks any day of the academic year. Visit the online bookstore to start shopping!
Beacon Book Program
At Valparaiso University, we believe students shine brightest when they’re supported from day one — and the Beacon Book Program helps make that possible. This all-inclusive course material delivery program provides undergraduates with every required textbook and digital resource before the first day of class, with clear, consistent pricing built into the student account. By simplifying access and ensuring cost transparency, the program reduces stress and empowers students to focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and thriving.
Beacon Book Program FAQs
The Beacon Book Program is a course material delivery model that simplifies the student experience, lowers the cost of materials, and ensures students have access to all required course materials on or before the first day of class. Through this innovative program, physical books are conveniently packaged and provided to students on a rental basis, and access to digital material is directly within the campus LMS, priced at $20 per credit hour. At the end of the term, students will receive email reminders to return rented physical course materials to the bookstore.
- Register for your classes and the bookstore will start preparing your course materials
- One month before classes start, you will receive an email instructing you to select your delivery preference (in-store pickup or shipped directly to you)
- An email notification will be sent when your order is ready for pickup or when it ships
- Your digital materials will be delivered for your course(s) within the LMS
- All undergraduate students at Valparaiso University.
- Graduate students are not part of the Beacon Book Program.
The program provides all required textbooks, eTextbooks, lab manuals, and access codes that can be provided by Barnes and Noble to eligible students. There may be materials that cannot be provided that may incur an additional cost outside of the Beacon Book Program.
Consumable supplies like lab goggles, dissection kits, molecular model kits, engineering kits or nursing kits, and other course-specific items that can’t be reused or provided by Barnes & Noble aren’t included in the program. Students may need to cover these costs separately.
All eligible students will be automatically enrolled in the Beacon Book Program.
Students have the option to opt-out of the Beacon Book Program each semester during the opt-out window. The opt-out window for the Fall 2025 semester is July 21 – August 28. By opting out, students will not receive their required materials in a convenient package and access to digital content will be removed after the opt-out window closes. Options for purchasing course materials after opting out can be found on the bookstore website. To begin the opt-out process, please follow this link: https://sso.bncollege.com/bes-sp/bessso/saml/valpoedu/fdcopt/logon
To change your opt-out status and opt into the Beacon Book Program, please click here or follow the instructions found in your opt-out confirmation email. Please note you must make your final selection by August 28, 2025.
Students will be responsible for purchasing their required course materials through the bookstore or some other entity.
The deadline to return all rental textbooks is the last day of final exams for the semester. Students will receive reminders ahead of the rental deadline to their email address.
Yes, the program provides you with the option to purchase any rental textbooks at a reduced rate during the semester.
Yes, you will still be required to return continuation course textbooks. You will be issued the same title for the next semester of the continuation course.
Students will receive email notifications from the bookstore reminding them to verify their order and choose their fulfillment preference. If the student does not opt-out, their materials will be held at the bookstore and their student account will be charged.
Yes, if the student does not opt-out, physical materials will be held at the bookstore, digital materials will be accessed through the LMS and the student account will be charged.
If course materials have been picked up or delivered for the dropped class, those materials should be returned to the bookstore within 48 hours. If you drop a class and enroll in a different class, the bookstore will “swap” the required course materials so that you have what you need.
Yes, you will have 48 hours to return your textbooks. If you do not return the textbooks, the charges for the bundle will remain on your student account and you will be subject to a replacement and non-return processing fee.
Who Do I Contact with Questions?
Call the Bookstore:
Visit the campus Bookstore:
Harre Union, First Floor
1509 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Call the Office of Student Accounts:
Visit the Office of Student Accounts:
Kretzmann Hall, Main Floor
1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Harre Union, 1st Floor
Hours Of Operation
Monday – Thursday:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. -2 p.m.