Books, food and hangers are just a few of the many ingredients used in making a new semester at BYU-Idaho a success, but it goes much deeper than that. Preparation starts long before the beginning of the semester.

“We have to hit the ground running the previous term,” said President Kim B. Clark. “We have to make sure we have classes lined up and faculty assigned to teach.”

The BYU-Idaho Bookstore becomes a zoo of boxes and textbook-hunting students as the the semester draws near.

For winter semester, the deadline for teachers to request specific textbooks was Oct. 15. After that the bookstore does some homework.

Teachers are asked to estimate the amount of books they will need. The amount of used books students brought back previous semesters is considered in the equation.

“It’s not an exact science. It’s more of an art,” said Chris Blackham, bookstore textbook manager.

Those working for custodial services clean all the campus buildings.

“We go completely through all the rooms, take all the chairs out, vacuum and shampoo all the carpets,” said Gary Jennings, custodian supervisor for the Hyrum Manwaring Student Center.

The Galley also does intense cleaning during breaks.

“Obviously we have janitorial services [during regular business days],” said Greg Carson, director of Food Services. “But [during breaks] the Galley is shut down and we do a thorough cleaning.”

The local Wal-Mart prepares for a new semester. The number one item customers look for at Wal-Mart are plastic hangers, said Judith Hill, Customer Service Manager.

Overall, many people both on and off campus prepare for a new semester in different ways, and many different employees ensure that the campus is ready for students.