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Welcome to Follett for Students
Follett ACCESS is a revolutionary program designed to ensure students have the course materials they need to succeed from their very first day of class. Used by numerous educational institutions across the country, Follett simplifies the process of obtaining textbooks and other course materials, integrating costs seamlessly into tuition fees. This page aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing the Follett ACCESS program effectively.
Follett ACCESS is part of the broader services offered by Follett, which acquired the Nebraska Book Company (NBC) in 2015. This acquisition has allowed Follett to integrate extensive resources and expertise to better serve students, ensuring they have the course materials they need from day one.
What is Follett ACCESS?
Overview
Follett ACCESS is an innovative program that provides students with required course materials for participating courses. The cost is included in your tuition or course charges, offering a convenient method to access, manage, and use all course materials regardless of format or cost. Digital materials are made available through the campus learning management system, while physical materials can be picked up at the campus bookstore.
Benefits of Follett ACCESS
- Immediate Access: Get all your required course materials on the first day of class.
- Cost-Effective: Receive materials at a lower price thanks to publisher discounts.
- Convenient Management: Easily access and manage your digital and physical course materials.
- Stress Reduction: Avoid the hassle of sourcing the wrong book or missing materials.
How Follett ACCESS Works
Enrollment Process
Enrollment in the Follett ACCESS program is straightforward. Once you register for classes, you will automatically be included in the program. You will receive notifications via your academic email or through communications from your instructors about how to access your course materials.
Accessing Course Materials
- Digital Materials: Log in to your learning management system using your academic credentials to access digital content.
- Physical Materials: Pick up your textbooks from the campus bookstore. You will receive an email confirmation when they are ready.
Additional Materials
If you need materials not covered by the Follett ACCESS program, you can purchase them directly from your campus bookstore. Staff at the bookstore can assist you in finding any additional recommended materials.
Cost and Savings
Financial Benefits
Participating in the Follett ACCESS program can save you money. Publishers provide significant discounts, which are passed on to you. Course material charges are included in your tuition, simplifying your payment process and allowing you to utilize financial aid and other payment options.
Cost Management
All course material charges are part of your tuition and fees, meaning you don’t have to worry about separate payments. This integration allows for the use of financial aid to cover these costs, easing the financial burden on students.
Managing Your Course Materials
Dropping or Adding Courses
If you drop a course, return physical materials to the campus bookstore by the deadline in a usable working condition. Digital access will be automatically removed.
If you add a new course, digital materials should be available within 24-48 hours, and physical materials can be picked up after you receive an email confirmation.
Opt-Out Options
Some campuses offer an opt-out option for the Follett ACCESS program. Information about the opt-out process, including deadlines, will be provided by your institution typically 30 days before you class start date to your academic email. You can also ask your bookstore in the same time frame. Typically, opt-outs must be completed within two weeks of the class start date. Essentially you will have about a two week window to opt out.
Reasons for Opting In or Out of Follett ACCESS
Opting In:
- Convenience:
- Streamlined Access: All required course materials are automatically provided, reducing the hassle of searching and purchasing textbooks separately.
- First-Day Preparedness: Students have all their materials on the first day of class, ensuring they can start learning immediately.
- Cost Savings:
- Discounted Rates: Publishers often provide significant discounts on materials, which are passed on to students, making it more affordable than buying books individually.
- Financial Aid Integration: Course material costs are included in tuition, allowing students to use financial aid to cover these expenses.
- Ease of Management:
- Unified Billing: Simplifies finances by integrating textbook costs with tuition, avoiding multiple payments.
- Digital Access: Provides easy access to digital materials through the learning management system, enhancing the study experience.
- Reduced Stress:
- No Wrong Books: Ensures students get the correct editions and materials required for their courses.
- Time Savings: Saves time that would otherwise be spent shopping for books.
Opting Out:
- Preference for Used Books:
- Cost Considerations: Students may find cheaper options by buying or renting used books from other sources.
- Personal Preference: Some students prefer the flexibility of choosing where to purchase or rent their textbooks.
- Previous Ownership:
- Already Have Materials: Students who already own the required materials from previous semesters or sources may not need additional copies.
- Digital vs. Physical Preference:
- Format Preference: Students may have a strong preference for physical books over digital versions, or vice versa, which might not be adequately addressed by the program.
- Specific Needs:
- Special Editions or Tools: Certain courses might require specific editions, study tools, or ancillary materials that are not covered by the Follett ACCESS program.
- Special Circumstances: Situations like transfer students who might not need all materials covered by the program.
- Autonomy in Purchasing:
- Control Over Purchases: Some students may prefer to control their book buying experience, opting for different sellers or newer editions not included in the program.
- Financial Strategy:
- Pay-as-You-Go: Opting out allows students to spread out their expenses rather than having them bundled with tuition.
Each student’s decision to opt in or out of Follett ACCESS will depend on their individual needs, financial situation, and personal preferences. Providing clear information about the program’s benefits and flexibility will help students make informed decisions.
End of Term Information
Finals and Returns
At the end of the term, all rented books must be returned to the campus bookstore in reusable condition no later than the end of finals week. You will receive return instructions via a reminder email. If you wish to keep a rented textbook, you can pay an additional fee to convert the rental to a purchase.
Convert to Purchase Option
If you prefer to keep your rented textbooks, visit your campus bookstore to pay the conversion fee. This option allows you to retain the books for future reference.
Conversion to purchase is not available for rented online materials through the ACCESS program. To convert these materials to a purchase, please visit the campus store in person.
Accessing Digital Content
For digital course materials, you will use BryteWave or another digital platform. Ensure you have your academic email address ready for login.
Contact and Support
Need further assistance? In most cases, for most issues regarding Follett ACCESS, please speak with your campus bookstore.
Conclusion
Follett ACCESS simplifies obtaining course materials, saving time and money while ensuring students are well-prepared from day one. Embrace this program to enhance your academic success and reduce stress. We wish you the best academic success!