Frequently Asked Questions for Affordability Programs
What are affordability programs?
Affordability programs are a partnership between your college, your bookstore, and Oxford University Press, to deliver course material on Day One of class. Upon enrolling in a participating course, students are alerted that their course is part of the school’s affordability program and a charge known as a "course fee" is placed directly on their account.
What are the benefits of affordability programs?
- Affordability programs reduce the cost of course materials for students
- Students are ready to start learning on the first day of class
- Students don’t have to hunt down course material
How do I know if my school participates or not?
Check with your bookstore; both Follett and Barnes & Noble participate.
What if my school does not yet participate in an affordability program?
If you are interested in an affordability model for your course, but your school has not yet committed to a program, we invite you to reach out. There are similar programs that don’t require full institution participation, but still provide that first day access for students directly through your LMS. We are happy to provide more details.
How do students participate in affordability programs?
Once you have confirmed with your bookstore that they participate, they can confirm that students will receive access to the course material through your school's Learning Management System.
How long do students have access to course materials?
They have access to course materials starting on the first day until the last day of class.
Do students need an access code for any additional resources or study tools?
If your course materials/e-book has additional premium digital resources on Oxford Learning Link, yes, they will need a code to access the resources. The code is free and will be provided to students; contact your Oxford University Press representative for assistance.
What is the price?
Your bookstore determines the price. Typically, affordability programs offer by far the most cost-effective delivery of course materials for students.
Who do I contact if I have questions about affordability programs including onboarding?
Your campus bookstore should be able to advise on your school's affordability program. You can also contact your Oxford University Press representative if you have additional questions about content.
When do I need to let my bookstore know that I want to use our affordability program?
When your bookstore requests your course materials order, let them know that you will be using the affordability program.
What information does my bookstore need?
On the bookstore order request form, indicate that you will be using the affordability program, along with the title and publisher.
What if a student does not want to purchase the course material this way?
With all affordability programs, students are given the opportunity to opt-out of purchasing materials.
What are students purchasing?
Students purchase access to the digital textbook that you select. This will include any additional digital resources that come free of charge with the e-book.
Which Oxford University Press products can I use in an affordability program?
Any Oxford University Press title that has an e-book is available for use in an affordability program.
Why is Oxford University Press participating in affordability programs?
Oxford University Press USA is a not-for-profit publisher dedicated to offering the highest quality textbooks at the best possible prices. Our print prices are typically 30%–70% less expensive than comparable books from other companies. Offering course material in a variety of formats and pricing options allows faculty and students to choose the option that is best for them.
Is Oxford University Press the only publisher participating in affordability programs?
No, other publishers also participate in affordability programs.
Is Oxford University Press going to stop offering print textbooks?
No, flexibility of format and pricing will continue to be an option for faculty and students.
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