Books for 'Cats
The Books for ’Cats (BFC) program is designed to provide eligible students with access to course materials at no cost.
Books for ’Cat’s 2.0, our newest program, provides eligible first- and second-year students with course materials for all courses in which they are enrolled at no additional cost. Course materials may be picked up at the Northwestern Bookstore, or if not available there, requested through a form.
Books for ’Cats 1.0, our continuing program, allows eligible third- and fourth-year students the ability to borrow course materials from the Northwestern Bookstore for a select number of courses.
VIEW THE LIST OF COURSES FOR THE 2024-25 ACADEMIC YEAR
If you have general questions about the Books for ’Cats program, contact contact Adom Harris, Interim Director of Financial Aid Operations.
First-Year Student Workshop:
Join us for the required Books for ’Cats Q&A Workshop on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. CDT. At this workshop, you will learn how to make online purchases at the bookstore, what information you need to share when making an in-person purchase, and the process for course materials not available at the bookstore.
RSVP here: https://northwestern.zoom.us/meeting/register/7lGNTnchT-G_cdkb34KV2A
Returning Students Q&A Drop-In:
Join us for an OPTIONAL drop-in Q&A session on Monday, Aug. 25 from noon-1 p.m. CST. This will be an open Zoom session that you can visit at any time to ask any questions you may have. A representative from the Financial Aid office will also be in attendance to address any questions related to your Financial Aid award.
RSVP here: https://northwestern.zoom.us/meeting/register/kyqWrg7OQVOtI1j6QLjVCg
FAQs for Books for ’Cats 2.0 (eligible first- and second-year students)
What is the Books for ’Cats Program?
The Books for ’Cats program provides eligible first and second- year students with all their course materials for free. The Books for ’Cats program offers support for these undergraduates’ academic success at Northwestern by ensuring they have the appropriate materials for class.
Who is eligible to participate?
The Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid identifies eligible students based on demonstrated need.
How do I participate in Books for ’Cats?
Eligible students will receive a message with their financial aid package describing the Books for ’Cats program and inviting them to participate.
What if the course materials I need are not available at the Northwestern Bookstore?
Eligible students enrolled in Art, Theory and Practice courses will receive instructions for accessing required course materials. Other course materials that are not available at the bookstore can be requested for purchase using this
form. The materials will be mailed to the students' residence hall.
FAQs for Books for ’Cats 1.0 (eligible third- and fourth-year students)
What is the Books for ’Cats Program?
The Books for ’Cats program loans course materials for selected introductory courses to eligible undergraduate students at Northwestern University. The Books for ’Cats program offers essential support for these undergraduates' academic success at Northwestern by ensuring they have the appropriate materials for class.
Who is eligible to participate?
The Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid identifies eligible students based on demonstrated need.
How do I participate in Books for ’Cats?
Eligible students will receive a message before the end of August describing the Books for ’Cats program and inviting them to participate. Instructions on how students may order their materials from the University Bookstore and when they may pick them up will be included in that email. Students should then return their Books for ’Cats course materials (if returnable) to the University Bookstore, either at the end of the quarter or by the end of the academic year.
What are my other options to secure course materials if I am not eligible for Books for ’Cats?
Many Books for ’Cats courses have course materials in the Library Course Reserves. Students can check out the material for a pre-determined amount of time (two hours, four hours, or one day) to complete their readings. The Library also has free scanners available for student use. For more information on other ways to obtain your books and supplies, please see this page on Northwestern's Financial Wellness site. If books acquired through Books for ’Cats have to be returned when I’m finished with related courses, is it okay to write in them or highlight passages?
Yes. Students are welcome to use books however they wish to support their learning. They can complete worksheets, highlight passages and take notes in books from Books for ’Cats.