The landscape of higher education has changed dramatically since the ‘90s, when paper registration, physical textbooks, and an on campus bookstore were the norm. The traditional sense of a “textbook” has been replaced by combinations of printed texts, online learning systems, ebooks, videos, podcasts, open educational resources (OER), and more. While this shift has changed how higher education uses printed textbooks, course materials remain crucial for student success. Quality course materials to support instruction can provide learners with content structure, independent engagement, opportunities to practice problem solving and application, and diverse resources for all students. In fact, assessments can use integrated course materials, potentially negatively impacting a student’s grade if they do not purchase the required course materials.

Given the importance of course materials on student success, it can be disheartening and frustrating for faculty if students don’t have their materials by the first week of class! 

So why don’t they have their textbooks?

1. The student perception that textbooks are not needed to learn and do well in the classroom. There is no doubt that an extensive amount of online resources exist to support learning. One student shared that it’s “easier to find a good youtube video than it is to search through the textbook, which is often harder to understand.” This method of retrieving information is made more attractive to students who may lack experience with reading large books, especially when the use of printed textbooks is declining in K-12 schools, often replaced by digital content or other instructional resources.
2. Logistical difficulties purchasing course materials. Course materials are purchased through Oakland University’s partnership with eCampus, an online storefront that prioritizes accessible and affordable course materials with multiple purchasing options. While this provides students choices, one student mentioned that it can be confusing to figure out what they actually need to buy if multiple options are all marked as required for one course. So they “wait to hear from the professors to find out if [they] need the online or printed textbook.” While many textbooks arrive within 2 days of purchase, some may take longer, delaying students’ access to the course materials. Other students simply may avoid purchasing textbooks until they finalize their schedule.
3. Financial stress. Even though ebooks and online textbook retailers have lowered textbook prices, the cost of course materials for an average student per academic year is reported to be $285. The high cost of course materials can negatively impact a student's education, resulting in poor grades or decreased course enrollment, which can hinder timely degree progress. Students may work extra hours or skip meals to pay for course materials, or opt out of purchasing them at all. Those without reliable internet or computer access, and those awaiting financial aid support can also face challenges purchasing materials. 

How to Connect Students to Their Course Materials

• Place your adoptions with eCampus early. This will provide the shortest wait for students to receive their books. While most required textbooks/course materials can be shipped free to campus in two business days, delivery time can be slowed due to late adoptions, materials marked as recommended instead of required, and publisher shipping preferences.
• Be transparent about requirements for course materials in your syllabus and communications. We recommend contacting students when Moodle becomes available to students one week prior to the start of classes, providing detailed instructions for purchasing course materials through eCampus (See our syllabus template). This should include clearly distinguishing between the required and optional resources, and expectations for whether course materials are needed on the first day of class. Additionally, inform students about any temporary access for online components as these grace periods can provide students with valuable flexibility in purchasing course materials. 
• Provide accessible and affordable options for textbooks. Giving students options to purchase books in their preferred format (Rental, New, Used, and Digital) is acceptable and encouraged, so the students can purchase in a fashion that is best for their learning or financial reasons. Explore alternatives to decrease costs of your course materials (5 things you can do to reduce textbook cost), including options through OU Libraries. If students report difficulties with financial aid, refer them to the Financial Aid office to discuss options.

What If They *Still* Don’t Have the Textbook?

While some students may still choose to skip purchasing course materials, we can provide students with support while they are navigating textbook challenges. One simple, yet impactful, option is to make your textbook available at the library for students to use on campus. For online resources, you can reach out to anyone who hasn’t registered for online materials. Not only does this help build faculty-student connections, but sometimes a little direction is all that is needed! Lastly, consider speaking with your textbook publishers to see if there are options for students who are struggling with the cost. With a little preparation and communication on our part, we can help students start the semester strong with all their course materials! 

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About the Author

Sarah Hosch is the Faculty Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and a Special Instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Oakland University. She teaches all levels of biology coursework and her interests include evidence-based teaching practices to improve student learning gains and reduce equity gaps in gateway course success. Sarah loves exploring nature, cooking, and exercising. 

Written in consultation with Chris Reed, Executive Director of the Oakland Center

Others may share and adapt under Creative Commons License CC BY-NC. Photo by Kelsy Gagnebin on Unsplash.

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