North Idaho College’s Inclusive Access (IA) program is designed to make course materials more seamless and accessible for students. Through this program, students receive their required digital textbooks and courseware directly in Canvas on the first day of class. This helps eliminate delays, reduces confusion, and ensures that everyone has what they need to get started right away.

In addition to simplifying access, IA often comes at a lower cost compared to traditional print or retail options. By streamlining the process and bundling materials directly to student accounts, the program enhances the overall learning experience while helping reduce the financial burden for many students.

Faculty also benefit, as IA provides greater consistency across courses and can offer insights into student engagement with materials—supporting better outcomes in the classroom.

How it works

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

When a student registers for a class that uses the IA program, course materials are made available to them on or before the first day of class, and a course material charge (coded as BKBIA) is applied to 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 Inclusive Access programs typically offer 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

How much do textbooks in the inclusive access program cost? 

The inclusive access cost 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 an IA program will be at a highly discounted price.

How do I pay for inclusive access? 

The cost of inclusive access is automatically added to your tuition or course fees, and will be charged to your student account. This charge appears under the code "BKBIA". 

What does “opting out" mean?

All students are automatically opted into an IA class. To opt out of an inclusive access program means to decline the option to participate. If you opt out, you will still need to obtain the required course materials through other means, such as purchasing or renting them elsewhere.

How do I opt out of the IA program?

To opt-out, you must log into Canvas, go to the course you wish to opt out of, and select the box “Opt Out of IA Program” before the add/drop date. You must repeat this process separately for each course that is a part of the IA program.   

How do I opt out of the IA program if I don't have access to Canvas?

If you’re enrolled in an Inclusive Access course but don’t have access to Canvas, you can opt out by completing this form. 

Do I still need to opt-out if I drop a course?

No. If you have already dropped the course by the add/drop date, you will automatically be opted out of the IA program and will not be charged. 

*Students who drop after the add/drop date will be charged with no refunds. 

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

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