Need a Scantron?
Try the machine

Students taking classes in the evening or using the Testing Center on campus will now have the opportunity to buy school supplies from a vending machine.

This solution is the result of student requests and actions taken by North Lake College Business Services and the District's Bookstore and Textbook Advisory Committee. Over the last two years, many people have worked to offer this service to students.

North Lake student Aryn Blackstone sees the need for the new machine. “I've seen problems where a student didn't have a Scantron and needed to take a test.This is a good idea to fix that situation.” Blackstone can also see herself using the machine in the future.

Follett, a third-party company that operates the bookstores at all Dallas County Community College District campuses, will provide the vending machines, keeping them stocked and maintained for student use.

Follett representative Erik Peterson, who is director of bookstores for the District, said the North Lake bookstore is ready to provide the vending machine to students so they will have access to popular purchases, such as Scantron testing supplies and pencils, outside of regular store hours.

Peterson cites Christa Slejko, NLC's Vice President of Business Services, as being “instrumental in lobbying both the District and Follett” on behalf of the students.

North Lake Testing Center is open Monday through Thursday until 9 p.m., but the bookstore is closed by 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., depending on the day.

Having supplies available at all hours will benefit students with night classes, conflicting test schedules, or anyone wanting to skip the line at the bookstore.

Peterson anticipates that the machines will be ready to process credit card transactions by March 2007.