INSTANT ACCESS PROGRAM
The University of Utah Campus Store is launching an innovative program that delivers affordable, interactive digital course materials instantly to students.
Already have Instant Access? Here's a tutorial walking you through Bookshelf, the IA software embedded in your Canvas course.
How it works:
- An email will go out to students prior to the first day of class with information on what Instant Access
- On the first day of class, students can access their digital content through Canvas.
- Students have free access to the materials for the first two weeks.
- To retain access after two weeks, do nothing—the charge will be added to your tuition account automatically.
Why it works:
- Get instant access to your course materials on day one, with the cost conveniently added to your tuition.
- No delays or stock issues—stay on track with your studies from the start.
- Enjoy up to 80% savings on textbook prices—a smart and seamless solution.
Want to OPT OUT?
If the student decides they don’t want the instant access to the course materials they will have the option to OPT OUT and will be refunded accordingly. Students still need to pay for the course materials cost along with their tuition, but once they OPT OUT during the first two weeks of class they will receive a full refund of the course material cost. They will then be responsible for obtaining their own course material/textbook for that course.
Already opted out of instant access and would like to opt back in? Call 801-581-3156
Need assistance?
Refer to the below list of frequently asked questions. If you are still experiencing issues, fill out the form here and we will contact you.
Need help accessing your IA course materials? Here's a tutorial walking you through Bookshelf, the IA software embedded in your Canvas course.
For more information or questions about this program, please contact the Instant Access team via email.
Faculty, for more information about this program, please click here for the faculty information page.
"Inclusive Access gives students huge savings and access to required texts as soon as the course begins, making them more prepared. The integration into Canvas makes the e-text convenient and easy to use.”
Bonita Austin, Professor (Lecturer)
Entrepreneurship & Strategy
“Inclusive Access is a dynamic learning platform which allows students to access information almost instantly from virtually any device and alleviate the financial strain associated with traditional textbooks. Inclusive Access is the digital evolution of college textbooks!”
Joshua LaReaux, M.S., CSCS
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Health, Kinesiology and Recreation
“Inclusive Access introduces many benefits to our students: low cost textbooks (in our case, over 75% savings), zero purchasing effort (book available in canvas on first day of class), access to the latest edition, students well prepared (no waiting for textbooks), and purchasing convenience (cost is added to tuition).
Chong Oh, Associate Professor (Lecturer)
Director of Undergraduate IS Program
EBOOK INSTRUCTIONS
New Instructions Coming Soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Instant Access?
The Instant Access program is a new textbook model, in collaboration with publishers, which converts course materials/textbooks for the course into digital content. All students in the class buy into the content, lowering the cost substantially (up to 80%). All students in that class also get access to the content on the first day.
How much does Instant Access cost?
Prices are negotiated and vary depending upon the course materials chosen by the instructor, but are lower than competitive market rates.
How will I get my access code?
If your instructor is using Instant Access you are already enrolled. You will be notified via email to your official University of Utah issued email account (or email of record) prior to the start of class with access instructions, the discounted price and information on opting out.
How do I pay for my access?
The access is complimentary through the add/drop date, but you will see a charge on your tuition account. All enrolled students who have registered for the course will have the discounted price billed to their tuition account. You will be required to pay the course material cost as part of your tuition payment, but if you choose to opt-out of the Instant Access course material offering, you will be refunded that charge.
What does it mean to opt-out?
If you do not wish to participate in Instant Access you have until the add/drop day to OPT OUT of the program online (the opt-out procedure will be outlined in your emailed information). If you opt out by the deadline given access to the online content will be turned off and you will not be billed. You will then be responsible in obtaining the course material yourself for the course.
I opted out by mistake and realized that I still need my access. Can I opt back in?
Yes if it's before the add/drop deadline. Simply email the Instant Access team at inclusiveaccess@campusstore.utah.edu to request that your access be reinstated.
I did not opt-out, but I did not register my access or use the online platform. Will I still be billed?
Yes. All students who are enrolled in a course using Instant Access are automatically considered part of the program. To avoid being billed you must OPT OUT online before the add/drop deadline.
I dropped the course. Do I still need to opt-out?
Students who drop the course before the add/drop deadline (usually within the first 10 days of class) will automatically be "opted out" and will not be billed. There are no refunds for students who drop after the add/drop deadline.
I forgot to opt-out and missed the deadline. Can I get a refund now?
Once billing has been completed after the add/drop date, there are no refunds.
I didn't get an email about my course, but other students in my class did. Was I sent an email?
All enrolled students are emailed about the program to their official University email address (or email of record). If it is not in a spam folder or was accidentally deleted email the Inclusive Access team at inclusiveaccess@campusstore.utah.edu for access instructions.
How do I maintain access to my perpetual/lifetime e-book once the semester ends?
Perpetual or Lifetime titles will expire from Vitalsource Bookshelf once your course ends. To maintain access to the title, it needs to be downloaded within the term it is being used. If the semester has already ended, contact Vitalsource Support and they'll help you download the Lifetime version.
Is there an opt out period if I enroll in an IA course, late, after the drop period?
No, once the deadline has passed you cannot OPT-Out. You will automatically be enrolled in IA, and not be given the opportunity to opt out. You will need to alert the Campus Store to actually turn on Instant Access, but you will automatically be billed. If you are a late add and need your access turned on, email inclusiveaccess@campusstore.utah.edu.
I have further questions that were not addressed. Who do I contact?
If your question wasn't answered in this FAQ, for Instant Access questions email the digital course materials team at inclusiveaccess@campusstore.utah.edu. If you have general inquiries about the course itself, please contact your instructor directly.