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Student FAQ
On this page, you will find answers to student frequently asked questions about Immediate Access (IA).
For overall general information, visit the IA welcome page.
How It Works
How does the program work?
The Immediate Access program simplifies obtaining course materials by covering costs through a charge to your student account. Students enrolled in an Immediate Access course will be able to access all required materials on or before the first day of class. The Wildcat Store prepares and organizes all necessary materials for you. Be sure to check your @csuchico.edu email and read emails from immediateaccess@csuchico.edu for information about the Immediate Access program.
Who is participating in the program?
Your campus is participating in the Immediate Access program to provide access on the first day of class and help save students money on required course materials. After you are enrolled in an Immediate Access course, you have the opportunity to opt-out or opt back in once the semester begins. To receive a full refund of materials costs, students must opt-out before the university census date. Visit the university census webpage for the current semester census dates.
How do I get my course materials?
You will receive confirmation emails sharing details about how to access digital materials through Canvas. If your instructor has ordered physical materials, you will pick them up at the Wildcat Store. If your instructor has ordered digital materials and you would like a physical copy instead, please contact the Wildcat Store at immediateaccess@csuchico.edu to request the physical materials.
- How Students Access eBooks
Tutorials on accessing McGraw Hill eBooks(opens in new window) can be accessed through their website.
Program Benefits and Costs
What are the benefits to me?
Students enjoy many benefits, including:
- There are discounted prices for course materials.
- Charges are included as semester fees and billed before the term.
- Course materials are available digitally when you log into your course.
- Some key features may include highlighting, flashcards, note-sharing, exams, and assignments.
Will I save money?
Yes, you can save between 20% to 60%, depending on the materials used and the average national savings on similar items. The program also reduces student stress during the purchasing process and provides a method to easily access, manage, and use all course materials regardless of format or cost.
Materials
What type of materials will I receive?
The materials you receive for your classes can vary based on the specific courses you’re taking. Here are some common types of materials you might encounter:
- Digital Course Materials: These include online resources, lecture slides, and digital textbooks.
- Textbooks: Traditional printed textbooks covering the course content.
- Lab Manuals: Guides for laboratory experiments and activities.
- Workbooks: Supplementary materials for practice and exercises.
- Lab Equipment: If your course involves hands-on experiments, you might receive lab equipment.
- Course-Related Supplies: These can include uniforms (for specific programs), calculators, or other tools needed for coursework.
Remember that the exact materials will depend on your specific classes and the instructor's requirements. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
How often are materials supplied?
Required materials are supplied at the beginning of each term. The materials will be accessible on or before the first day of class. Please continue to check your school email and read emails from immediateaccess@csuchico.edu.
Do I get to keep my materials at the end of each term?
Printed materials are yours to keep at the end of each term. Digital materials are accessible for at least 180 days, with possible extensions depending on the materials and publisher terms.
Can I choose if I want print or digital materials?
The type of course materials is determined by the instructor's selection. You should first check your Canvas course or contact your instructor to see what materials have been chosen for the course. You can contact the Wildcat Store at immediateaccess@csuchico.edu to request a hard copy. Hard copies cost more, and you must pay the difference between the digital cost and hard-copy cost before receiving your copy. Your account won't be charged; payment is made directly at the Wildcat Store.
The hard copy may not be in the Store when you pay. You will receive an email from immediateaccess@csuchico.edu when the materials are ready for pick-up. For an extra fee, materials can be shipped directly to you. In your request, please include your name and address to have the hard copy shipped directly to you.
If you qualify for support from the Accessibility Resource Center, please contact them to request a hard copy by calling 530-898-5959 or emailing arcdept@csuchico.edu.
If my instructor has recommended course materials, will those be included in the Immediate Access Program?
No, only required course materials are included in the IA program. Since recommended course materials are not part of the IA program, you need to ask your instructor how to get the recommended materials.
Opting-Out
Is the Immediate Access program required, or can I opt-out of the program?
While all students in Immediate Access courses are automatically enrolled in the program, they may choose to opt-out. If you opt-out, you are responsible for finding and purchasing your materials.
How do I opt-out? Do I need to opt-out each term?
Students in Immediate Access courses are charged the IA price but can opt-out during designated periods. You will have the option to opt-out at the start of each term. Students who opt-out before the add/drop deadline will receive a full refund for the materials.
To opt-out:
- Log in to the Opt-Out Portal and review the process and specific deadlines. Click this link(opens in new window) to access the Opt-Out Portal.
- You should check your school email for information on how to log in to the Opt-Out Portal and review the process as well as specific deadlines. The email will come from Follett, so you may need to check spam or junk folders.
For all other questions about opting-out, contact the Wildcat Store at immediateaccess@csuchico.edu.
What are the opt-out dates for this academic year?
You may opt-out of the program during the following opt-out periods:
- Fall & Spring Term: Two weeks before the semester until the university census date of each semester. Visit the university census webpage for the current semester census dates.
What if I opted-out by mistake or changed my mind?
If the opt-out period has not ended, you can opt back in. To opt back in, log in to the opt-out portal by clicking this link(opens in new window).
Adding/Dropping/Incomplete Courses
What if I add or drop a course?If you add or drop a course, that information is automatically sent to the Wildcat Store.
- Added courses: Within 24 hours of adding a course, you will receive an email at your @csuchico.edu email with details about how to access the course materials.
- Dropped courses: If you drop a course before the university census date of the semester, access to electronic or digital materials will automatically be disabled. Printed materials must be returned to the Wildcat Store. If you drop a course before the university census date of the semester, you will receive a full refund for the materials. Visit the university census webpage for the current semester census dates.
What if I get an incomplete grade in a course and need additional time to access course materials?
If the course includes printed materials, they are yours to keep. If the course includes digital materials, you will have access for a minimum of 180 days (six months) from when you purchased it. However, access may be longer depending on the materials. Please contact the Wildcat Store at immediateaccess@csuchico.edu for details.
I have questions that were not answered in these FAQs. Where can I get more information?
Please review all information at the Immediate Access webpage. If you have other questions, please contact the Wildcat Store at immediateaccess@csuchico.edu.