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Faculty Watch: Faculty Report Positive Experiences with Textbook Affordability Programs
March 2, 2026: A majority of faculty who participate in textbook affordability programs report satisfaction with the model and cite clear benefits for planning, cost savings, and first-day readiness, according to findings from the newly released Faculty Watch™ Report, the National Association of College Stores’ annual survey of teaching faculty in the United States and Canada.
The survey explored faculty experiences with Affordable Access programs, including course-by-course and all-courses models, with the majority of responses reflecting course-by-course participation.
Massive Data Theft Underscores Threats to Students from Downloading Illegal eBooks
August 15, 2024: Following a recent data theft incident, where 10 million users inadvertently exposed their personal information, including usernames, email addresses and encrypted passwords, students are reminded of the dangerous risks with resorting to pirating their course materials. Some students have resorted to illegally downloading “free” textbooks and course materials – a practice that can set them up for academic, legal, and data privacy risks. According to the latest Student Watch survey, 20% of students admitted to digital textbook piracy. The study also found students who opt-out of school affordable access programs were twice as likely to say they engage in this behavior.
UC Campuses Awarded Catalyst Fund Grants for Affordable Access Practices
July 31, 2024: Four UC campuses — UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Merced, and UC Santa Barbara — and the UC Office of the President have received Catalyst Fund awards from the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) for implementing innovative programs that enhance affordability for students, one of them being their use of affordable access programs. Affordable access as well as the other creative solutions recognized will be shared across NASH’s network to advance educational inclusivity.
ICYMI: ACE/NACS Warn Proposed Rule Could Unravel Textbook Affordability and Raise Costs for Students
May 28, 2024: The American Council on Education (ACE) and the National Association of College Stores (NACS) recently hosted a webinar on the potential consequences of an upcoming Department of Education rulemaking.
What They’re Saying: Students Embrace Access Programs, Praise Affordability and Convenience
Students currently enrolled at colleges and universities with access programs share their insights on the impact of the current programs on their studies.
What They’re Saying: Faculty Credit Affordable Access Programs for Cutting Costs and Raising Outcomes for Students
Faculty at colleges and universities with access programs share their insights on the impact of the current programs on their students.
NACS Faculty Watch Report: Faculty Express Strong Interest in Affordable Access Programs at a Time of Deep Concern With Student Preparedness
February 16, 2024: The latest Faculty Watch™ Report from the National Association of College Stores (NACS) confirms faculty interest in affordable access programs remains high as more institutions take action to lower textbook and course materials costs for students.
Open Letter to the Department of Education
February 15, 2024: Read an open letter that was sent to Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, regarding the proposed language changes to Cash Management rules that impact students being able to use Title IV funds for programs like Inclusive and Equitable Access.
In Support of Equitable Textbook Access & CSULB Affordable Learning Solutions
October 11, 2023: CSULB has been a leader in adopting lower cost course material alternatives within the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions program.
New Textbook Access Program Makes Course Materials More Affordable for Students
February 24, 2023: The University of Houston System Board of Regents has approved a new program to make textbooks and course materials available for undergraduate students at a fraction of the current cost of new course materials.
BC Tackles Textbook Affordability
July 15, 2020: An innovative digital course materials program, called Inclusive Access, is saving Bellevue College students an estimated one-half million dollars in textbook costs Fall Quarter 2020. Since the program’s inception in 2019, savings have increased each quarter,” said Kristen Connely, BC bookstore manager.