University Store Inclusive Access Policy

1. Program Overview

Inclusive Access (IA) is a course materials affordability program offered through a partnership between the University Store, academic departments, course material publishers and VitalSource. The program provides required digital course materials at reduced costs compared to traditional purchasing options.

For courses participating in Inclusive Access, required digital materials are delivered directly through Canvas on or before the first day of class. Charges for these materials are applied to the student’s Bursar account after the official drop/add deadline, unless the student chooses to opt out.

2. Student Notification and Communication

Students enrolled in courses utilizing Inclusive Access materials will receive a personalized email notification prior to the start of the term. This communication will include:

• Course name and section number
• Title of required course material(s)
• Price of the material(s)
• Access duration
• Instructions for accessing materials
• Opt-out deadline and instructions

During the drop/add period, students may also view their Inclusive Access materials directly within Canvas by navigating to the ‘Course Materials’ tab in each course. This view will display the required material(s), associated pricing, and the opt-out deadline for each course.

3. Accessibility and Accommodations

Oklahoma State University is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive digital learning experience for all students. Inclusive Access materials are delivered through VitalSource, which is designed to support accessibility and usability for a wide range of learners. Its platform is designed to align with recognized accessibility standards, including WCAG guidelines and Section 508 requirements, and is regularly tested to improve usability for individuals with disabilities. The platform supports a range of accessibility features such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, text-to-speech, and customizable display settings to enhance readability and user experience.

4. Opt-Out Policy


Participation in the Inclusive Access program is voluntary, and students may opt out of receiving digital materials.

• Fall and Spring Semesters: Students have 10 class days from the start of the term to opt out.
• Summer Sessions: Students have 5 class days from the start of the term to opt out.
• Short Courses: Students have 3 class days from the start of the term to opt out.

Students who do not opt out by the stated deadline and remain enrolled in the course will be automatically charged through their Bursar account.

Students who opt out will lose access to the digital materials within Canvas, which may impact their ability to complete required coursework. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the required materials independently if they choose to opt out.

5. Course Drops and Enrollment Changes

Students who drop a course prior to the university’s official drop/add deadline for that term will not be charged for Inclusive Access materials for that course.

Students who remain enrolled after the opt-out deadline are responsible for all Inclusive Access charges, regardless of subsequent course participation, except as outlined in the Refund Policy.

6. Opt-In After Opt-Out


Students who opt out and later want to regain access to Inclusive Access materials may request to opt back in by contacting the University Store at textbook@okstate.edu.

7. Billing and Charges


Inclusive Access charges are applied to the student’s Bursar account after the opt-out deadline. These charges are considered part of the student’s university account balance and are subject to standard university billing and payment policies. Failure to pay may result in holds or other actions consistent with university financial policies.

8. Refund Policy

Refunds for Inclusive Access charges are limited and will only be considered under specific, verifiable circumstances during the current academic term.

Approved Circumstances Include:


• Adoption Error: Written confirmation from the academic department indicating that Inclusive Access materials were adopted in error and are not being used in the course.
• Approved Course Withdrawal: Students who receive a 100% tuition refund through an officially approved retroactive drop or withdrawal process administered by Academic Affairs. Refunds will be processed based on verified reports provided to the University Store.
• Student Death: Notification provided by the Office of the Bursar.
• Other Extenuating Circumstances: Rare situations that prevent a student from accessing or utilizing course materials due to significant, documented, and unforeseen events beyond the student’s control. Determination of eligibility is made at the discretion of the University Store in consultation with appropriate university offices.

Refund requests must be submitted and approved within the same academic term. No refunds will be issued after the conclusion of the semester.


9. Dispute Resolution


Students who believe an Inclusive Access charge has been applied in error or who wish to request an exception outside of standard refund conditions may submit a dispute by contacting the University Store at textbook@okstate.edu.

All disputes should include the student’s name, OSU ID, course information, and a detailed explanation of the concern. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with this policy.