Course Materials. Simplified.
What is ACCESS?
ACCESS ensures you have all your required course materials before classes even begin, saving you time and eliminating the hassle of searching for textbooks. Plus, students typically save about 30% on textbooks, making this program an affordable and convenient option. ACCESS stands for Affordable Course Content for Every Student's Success.
What does it cost?
If you don’t opt-out of the program, ECC/MCC will charge you $22 per credit hour, regardless of how much each textbook would cost if you purchased them separately. If you choose to buy your course materials on your own, your cost will depend on which books/course materials your faculty adopt.
How do I benefit from paying the same flat fee, regardless of major?
At ECC/MCC, all students pay the same rate for tuition, regardless of major. However, financial inequity can exist when it comes to textbooks and course materials. This program ensures you have access to the same academic opportunities, regardless of your field of study.
Can I participate in some classes but not others?
No, this program is all-in or all-out for each term. It's our goal to make this a "one-stop shopping" experience for students so they can access all of their course materials in one place, for one low fee.
Physical textbooks will be delivered on August 18, 2025. This means students with required physical textbooks will have their physical textbooks delivered to their current address they have on file with IVCCD. Digital content will be available for students in their Canvas shell three days before the semester starts.
What happens if I drop or add a course?
- Adding a class: VitalSource will continually check for new enrollments in classes until the add/drop date. If you need any additional materials, those will be automatically processed. To check delivery status, log in and click “Track.”
- Dropping a class: If physical items were delivered to you, watch for an email with return instructions. You will have 14 business days from the start of the semester to return the materials or you'll be charged. For digital course materials that have not been accessed, the codes will be deactivated and you won't have access to the materials.
Do I get a refund on my books if I drop a class?
If you have any physical textbooks or manuals, those must be returned before a refund is issued. You have 14 business days from the start of the semester to return those materials or you'll be charged.
Refunds will be processed in accordance with existing deadlines and procedures through the Business Office or Financial Services.
How do I pay for my books?
The cost of your books is automatically added to your student account. If you don’t have financial aid, this fee can be included in your tuition payment plan, allowing you to spread the cost across the semester instead of paying it all at once.
If you have financial aid, the fee is covered as part of your aid package. If you decide to opt out of ACCESS, you cannot use your financial aid to purchase books and course materials.
How do I access my digital course materials?
ACCESS information will be emailed to you on or before the first day of class. Depending on the item, materials will be available through Canvas.
What if the materials I need haven't arrived by the first day of class?
If you recently added a course, the order might still be on its way. Visit your personalized webpage to review your student homepage and see when your materials will arrive.
What if I am missing a textbook or received the wrong one?
Contact the Learner Experience team by logging into your account and clicking "Help" at the top of the page.
What if I need an accommodation due to a disability?
Any students with approved accommodations for accessible materials should contact their campus’s Disability Services Provider to determine the next steps for obtaining these materials.
Do I need to return physical textbooks at the end of the term?
No, you own the physical textbooks at the end of the term. For digital course materials, there may be a time limit on how long you can access them. Expiration dates are listed in your Canvas account.
Can I opt out of ACCESS? If so, how?
Yes, you can opt out of ACCESS if you prefer. We will have two different Opt-Out dates for Fall 2025. Since physical books will be mailed to students on August 18, IVCCD’s soft opt-out deadline will be between August 1-11, 2025. The final and last Opt-Out date for late enrollment will be September 5, 2025.
To opt out, visit your personalized webpage and log in. Click on “My Courses” at the top of the page to find the opt-out option and deadline.
Keep in mind, you have the option to opt out each semester if this program doesn’t meet your needs. The opt-out page becomes available once the term is active and you’ve registered for classes.