Understanding Inclusive Access
What is Inclusive Access?
Inclusive Access is a program that provides students with course materials at a reduced cost, ensuring they are prepared for the first day of class. Materials are available through Blackboard on or before the first day of class, and students have the option to opt out if they choose. Students can also receive print materials by picking them up in-store or having them shipped.
How does Inclusive Access benefit students?
- Lower costs (30-70% off traditional textbook pricing)
- Immediate access to materials, reducing delays in coursework
- Seamless integration with Blackboard
Enrollment, Billing, and Refunds
| What happens if a student drops the course? | Students who drop within the census date will receive a full refund for the Inclusive Access charge. |
| How does billing work? | When a student enrolls in a class using Inclusive Access, the bookstore automatically posts a course materials charge to their UCA account. Students can opt out if they prefer to purchase materials elsewhere. Given the competitive IA pricing, opt-outs are rare. |
| What happens if a student fails to pay their UCA student account balance? | UCA will notify the bookstore of unpaid balances, and Textbook Brokers can revoke access for the student. UCA will receive a credit in the next billing cycle (the following month). |
Access and Usage
| How does Inclusive Access work with books used for multiple semesters? | Courseware that spans multiple semesters will only be charged during the first semester the student uses it. In subsequent courses, the material is marked as 'previously purchased.' Students transferring to the school who have not purchased the material for a prior semester will need to purchase it separately from the bookstore. |
| How long do students have access after the semester ends? | - Courseware: Students retain access for the full duration of the publisher’s license. - eBooks: Typically available for 180 days after the start of the term. |
| What if a student fails a class and retakes it the following semester? | If a student fails a class and retakes it in a later term, they will need to pay for the Inclusive Access materials again unless the product comes with a lifetime or extended license (such as 580 days). If the student has a valid license, they will not be charged again. |
Opting Out and Physical Book Options
What does 'Opt Out' mean, and how do students do it?
Students who do not wish to participate in Inclusive Access can 'opt out,' which removes their access to materials and cancels the associated charge. They can opt out by visiting theucabookstore.com and submitting the opt-out form. This video provides a walkthrough of the process.
Can students get a physical book instead of a digital version?
Physical books can be included in the Inclusive Access program, though the discount is typically smaller than for digital materials. Some publishers offer discounted print options for Inclusive Access students.
Technical Support and Contact Information
| What if a student says they can’t access their materials? | Students should first verify they are logged into Blackboard and using the correct course link. If the issue persists, they should take a screenshot of the error and contact the bookstore. Troubleshooting should not fall on faculty—direct students to TJ McDonald (tmcdonald@textbookbrokers.com) for support. |
| What if a student opts out and later wants back in? | Students can opt back in before the deadline by revisiting the opt-out page and selecting 'Opt In.' After the deadline, reinstatement is not always possible. |
For further questions, please reach out!
TJ McDonald
The UCA Bookstore
Email: tmcdonald@textbookbrokers.com