Inclusive Access / eBooks
Thank you for your support of the Western Associated Students Bookstore, your independent student store since 1910! The Western A.S. Bookstore operates an auxiliary services department of the University as the only authorized seller of course materials on campus (POL-500). Our mission is to serve as an educational resource for campus, integrating with the academic community to ensure the availability of materials necessary for student development and to provide merchandise to enrich the sense of campus community.
What is Inclusive Access?
Inclusive Access is a course material offering publishers have developed to provide access through digital materials in place of printed text that provides access on the first day of classes to all enrolled students. Course material may include an e-text, or an e-text in combination with courseware (interactive learning components providing students with questions and feedback via customized software). An added benefit is there is not the need to ship physical books - lowering our carbon footprint!
The main difference between Inclusive Access (IA) and eBooks is the integration of course materials into the institution's Learning Management System (LMS), in WWU's case the LMS is Canvas. There are some real benefits to IA including modules, activities, pre-tests, and the convenience of these resources being accessible within the LMS.
How do I Pay for these Materials?
Costs associated with these materials are charged to student accounts within 10 business days of the add/drop date. This allows students to use financial aid, scholarships, and/or bridge the gap in paychecks to pay for the materials.
Trial access is available through the add/drop date each quarter.
How it Works for Students
Students have access to the materials on day 1 of the term. They have free access through the add/drop date of the term. Within 10 business days after the add/drop date, their student account will be charged for the cost of the materials.
Students Who Opt-Out of Inclusive Access
Students who opt out before the deadline of the add/drop date each term will not be charged for access to the materials. As the materials required are listed as REQUIRED by the instructor, students are responsible for paying for the necessary access on their own, or students can opt back into the Inclusive Access program. Students who opt-out of inclusive access may not have a way to complete assignments.
The only way to opt-out of the materials is through the link in Canvas. Emailing the bookstore will not opt them out of the program. Access to materials will be turned off after the trial period.
What if a Student Changes their Mind Before the Add/Drop Date?
They will see the acknowledgement screen every 24 hours until the add/drop date that will allow them to change their selection. They can also email support@vitalsource.com for assistance.
If you have opted out this is what you will see:
All that they need to do is click on a content link again (or the opt out link), and they can change their decision.
If they have opted in then they will see the same "opt screen" once every 24 hours, with a reminder that they will not be billed twice.
What are eBooks?
eBooks are digital materials that you download in place of printed text.An added benefit is there is not the need to ship physical books - lowering our carbon footprint!
How do I Pay for eBooks
When ordering online through the Bookstore, you can purchase with either a credit card or your student account. Purchases instore can be made with credit card, student account, cash, or check.
I orderd online and accessed my materials, and now they aren't working. What happened?
When ordering online through the Bookstore, you will be provided instant access to the materials. If there are issues with the payment provided at the time of purchase, the access to the materials will be deactivated. You will need to place a new order with updated payment information. You can contact us at asbookstore@wwu.edu to validate it was a payment issue. If there was not a payment issue, you will need to contact the vendor.
What is the return policy on eBooks?
eBook return is dependent on the percent of material accessed within 14 days of purchase. This is determined by the provider of the ebook (Vital Source or Red Shelf). The bookstore cannot override the decision from the eBook provider.
How do I access my eBooks
At the time of purchase, you will be provided a unique link. This link is to be input into a web browser which will provide you a unique code and instructions on how to download your material.
What happens if I lose my code? How do I get a new one?
If you have lost your receipt, you can email asbookstore@wwu.edu. Please provide your name, W#, and date of purchase. Note, if the code has been accessed, a new code will have to be purchased.
Why isn't there an eBook listed for my course?
An eBook may not be associated with your course as there may not be one available or your professor has requested other modalities for this course.
Why is the eBook listed as optional for my course?
Where available,eBooks are noted as “optional” when this is an alternative product available. See your professor if you have questions on the acceptability of this product for your course.
How do I get support for my Cengage materials?
You can find support 24/7 at: 1-800-354-9706, on Social Media @CengageHelp, or through chat at support.cengage.com.
How do I get support for my Pearson materials?
You can reach Pearson for assistance at 1-800-677-6337, through social media @PEARSONSUPPORT, through chat at support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/contactsupport, or through online portal support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/.