At most universities, vending machines are used for purchasing beverages and snacks, but at some universities students have the option of purchasing school supplies through them as well.The academic buildings that have these vending machines offer items such as pens, pencils, blue books and scantrons.

One university, that has these unique vending machines is the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The machines enable students to purchase needed school supplies when they are not in the vicinity of the campus bookstore.

Although Nicholls does not have this type of machine located on campus, the option for school supply vending machines is not out of the question.

“What I would suggest if a student or a group of students feels that this would be something that they would like to have on campus is that they speak with Mrs. Brenda Haskins, director of auxiliary services,” Terry Dupre, assistant director of purchasing, said.

Haskins said that they never really considered the idea of school supply machines before because no one ever brought up the idea. She said the concept of vending machines selling school supplies is something she would not mind exploring.

Haskins said that the machines would be helpful for students who need to buy school items after hours, when the bookstore is closed.

According to Dupre, one thing that would have to be looked into would be where the vending machines would be placed.

“Is there sufficient space requirements for the machines? Is there sufficient electrical needs for the machines?” Dupre said would be questions to look into.

The University currently has a contract with a company to provide vending machines only for snacks, drinks and sundries for the laundry room. Nicholls receives a commission for the items sold in the machines. Dupre said that the commission depends on the item sold.

“You may get one commission percentage based on drink sales, and we may get another commission for snack sales, but it varies on the type of snack it is,” Dupre said.