UC scores big win for students with course materials affordability

UC’s Textbook Affordability Committee has worked for (XX years) toward continuous reduction of course materials costs to UC students. The collaboration, led by the Office of the Provost, includes representatives from UC Faculty, Faculty Senate, Student Government, UC Libraries, CET&L, UC Bookstores, IT@UC, Campus Services, the Office of Undergraduate Affairs and the Division of Administration and Finance.

As the contract negotiator for course materials, Campus Services has worked diligently to implement recommendations of the committee. UC has contracted with Follett Higher Education Group (Follett) to operate campus stores since 2005. After an extensive RFP process initiated in the 2020-21 academic year, Follett was awarded a new contract, effective July 1, 2021.

Neal Stark, assistant vice president for Campus Services, noted that of the eight primary objectives in the RFP process, the paramount goal was “improved affordability for UC students by reducing course materials costs and providing innovative course materials solutions, including highly developed inclusive access program capability.” Inclusive access is a model through which all students in a class receive discounted course materials as part of their instructional fee, and ensures all students have the same materials on day one of class.

Stark is confident all components of the leading goal were achieved with the new Follett contract. The agreement provides for a comprehensive decrease in course materials pricing, particularly for materials through the inclusive access (Follett ACCESS) program. In addition, Follett has committed to expand the inclusive access program wherever savings are significant and benefit the learning experience.

Another win for students is an everyday in-store discount* of 15% on apparel, gifts and supplies.

Faculty will soon have a more convenient web-based adoption tool that will be integrated with Canvas. In addition to benefits for faculty, the adoption tool will also provide students a better course materials shopping experience. As the sole provider of UC course materials in the local area, UC Bookstores/Follett are committed to negotiate course materials pricing on behalf of the university, particularly in the inclusive access program, to maximize student affordability.

Featured image at top of student with textbook and laptop. Photo/Emmanuel Ikwuegbu/Unsplash