The University Bookstore is working on implementing a new textbook program for undergraduate students called One Access, which will provide a more developed version of the current program — Inclusive Access. One Access will potentially offer a one-stop portal for students at a flat rate to access all necessary course materials, such as textbooks.
The University Bookstore promotes the program for four reasons — affordability, convenience, academic success and sustainability. However, some faculty members have expressed concerns with various aspects of the flat-rate program and its effects on both students and their own curricula.
In a memorandum sent to the Faculty Senate Research, Teaching and Scholarship Committee from Carmelita Pickett, Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources and Content Strategy and ex officio member of the Faculty Senate Reading, Teaching and Scholarship Committee, these concerns are consolidated in five categories — cost equity, student agency, data privacy, institutional risks and faculty agency…