Wooster’s Inclusive Access Course Materials Program improves affordability, accessibility, and convenience for students

The College of Wooster has launched an innovative new course materials program with the goal of increasing student access to textbooks. Inclusive Access is a course-by-course delivery model that ensures every student has access to course materials from day one of classes, at significantly reduced costs. This transformative initiative supports the institution’s mission to create an inclusive learning environment and break down barriers to education.

The program, coordinated through the College’s Robert C. Mayer Bookstore, debuted in spring 2023 with a one-course pilot and has experienced growth with each subsequent semester. Currently available for 34 classes, the program has had a significant impact, benefitting over 700 students in the spring semester of 2024 alone. Wooster’s Inclusive Access program ensures that students have immediate access to textbooks on the first day of classes, alleviating challenges often associated with more traditional purchasing methods of independent sourcing and shipping.

Furthermore, the textbooks offered in the program come with substantial cost savings for students. “Our goal is to help our students acquire their materials at the lowest possible price and ensure they are prepared on day one for classes,” said Kevin Leitner, director of the Mayer Bookstore. The average savings for the spring semester was 29%, resulting in thousands of dollars of savings for students.

Finally, the program introduces a new billing model that enhances flexibility for students in managing textbook expenses. Students can start using textbooks before the payment deadline and have the option to use various forms of payment, including financial aid. After a trial period of 10 days, students have the option to opt out of the program and receive support for other options, though most students find the convenience, efficiency, and cost savings of the program more beneficial.

The College partnered with leading technology provider, VitalSource, to integrate Inclusive Access into the curriculum. VitalSource’s platform and digital textbooks integrate seamlessly with the College’s learning management system, Moodle, for ease of use for students and faculty. To learn more about how Wooster’s Inclusive Access program is reshaping education and advancing student success, please contact the program’s administrator at bookstore@wooster.edu or 330-263-2421.

Posted in News on March 20, 2024.