Inclusive Access Program

Welcome to GNTC's Inclusive Access program, designed to provide affordable access to required course materials for all students. This innovative program allows students to access digital course materials on the first day of class, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed at a reduced cost.
 
Inclusive Access also benefits faculty by providing access to real-time data on student engagement to improve student outcomes. By offering a more affordable and accessible solution to course materials, we aim to enhance the educational experience for all GNTC students.

How it works

The program starts with faculty members selecting the course materials for their courses. Once the materials are selected, the GNTC Bookstore partners with publishers or vendors to negotiate a discounted price. 

When a student registers for a class that utilizes Inclusive Access, the materials are made available to students before or on the first day of class, and a course material charge is placed on their student account. 

Benefits for Students:

• Access to course materials on the first day of class, increasing their ability to prepare and engage in their studies.

• Cost savings, as the Inclusive Access program offers course materials at a lower cost than traditional methods.

• Use financial aid to cover the cost of textbooks.

• Increased success rates and improved academic performance due to timely and easy access to course materials.

Benefits for Faculty:

• Access to a range of digital tools to enhance instruction and improve student engagement

• Reduced administrative burden through the program's support services and management of course materials

• Opportunity to customize course materials to meet specific teaching and learning needs

FAQs

What steps do I need to complete to ensure students are able to access their course materials on day one of each term?

Step 1: Submit the correct adoption information for each course you are teaching ASAP

Step 2: Add the VitalSource link to your course in Blackboard (See how to below)

Step 3: Make sure your courseware such as Cengage Mindtap, Pearson Mylabs, or Mcgraw-Hill Connect has been set up within Blackboard. 

Step 4: Add this information to your syllabus 

"When you registered for this course, you purchased the course materials at an exclusive low price. Once classes begin, you automatically gain immediate access to these materials in Blackboard. If you decide to opt out, you will not be able to access the materials in Blackboard anymore, and you might end up paying a higher price elsewhere for the same materials. If you have any questions, visit the Inclusive Access FAQ page at GNTCBookstore.com. You may also email the GNTC Bookstore at GNTC@textbookbrokers.com.

Step 5: Discuss the Inclusive Access program on the first day of classes with your students

How do I add the VitalSource link to my course in Blackboard?

Faculty will create a Module/Existing Activity as usual with the exception of specific verbiage in the description. Please follow the directions below:

1: In Blackboard:

A. Click the circled + to access the Add Tool link (as shown) – upper left, below course name 
B. Name the tool link – should include “access code”
C. Type: scroll down to VitalSource Course Materials Books
D. Select the “Make available to users” box – not shown

2: When students select this link, they will be taken to a page with a button giving them an access code. This is their code – it’s only for that student. Students will also get an email with the same access code. Note: Students will be able to view the code at any time, and it doesn’t go away. Also, instructors will not see an access code since they don’t need one.

3: Students will need to copy this access code so they can use it when they log into MyLabs Math, and it requests an access code.

4: There will be an “opt-out” for students to select, BUT they have already paid for this access code (like a lab fee) at the best price. Any other purchase will be in addition to what they already paid and the fee won’t be refunded. They should not opt-out.

5: If students accidentally select “opt-out”, they can go back in and change their choice.

6: Students will also have access to their textbook from this link.

How much much do textbooks in the Inclusive Access program cost students? 

The Inclusive Access fee for a course will vary depending on the specific course materials included in the program and what price the bookstore has negotiated with the publisher. Typically, course materials used in the Inclusive Access program will be at a highly discounted price.

How do students pay for course materials in the Inclusive Access program? 

The cost of the Inclusive Access program is automatically added to each student's tuition or course fees and will pay for it through their student account. 

What does “opting out" mean?

To opt-out of the Inclusive Access program means to decline the option to participate. If a student opts out, they will still need to obtain the required course materials through other means, more than likely at a higher price, such as purchasing or renting them from the GNTC Bookstore or finding other sources.

How do students opt out of the Inclusive Access program?

To opt-out, students must log into Blackboard, go to the course they wish to opt out of, and select the box “Opt Out of IA Program” before the add/drop date. Students have to repeat this process separately for each course and by course material that is a part of the Inclusive Access program.   

Do students need to opt-out after they drop a course?

No, students will automatically be opted out of the Inclusive Access program and will not be charged. Students who drop after the add/drop date will be charged with no refunds. 

Can students opt back in if I opted out by mistake?

Yes. To opt back in, students must log into Blackboard, go to the course and course materials that was opted out of, and select the box “Opt Into IA Program” before the add/drop date.