Update to Inclusive Access program beginning Summer 2026

Starting in Summer 2026, Ohio University will include a small markup in the price of Inclusive Access course materials to help sustain the service by covering the costs of operating and supporting the program for students. 

Inclusive Access provides required digital course materials at reduced prices and makes them available on the first day of class. Since launching in 2018, the program has saved students millions of dollars, including savings of more than $700,000 last fall and spring semester compared to typical retail pricing. Having digital course materials available in Canvas on day one helps students participate fully in courses without delay.

The Inclusive Access program supports hundreds of class sections each semester, with 950 sections participating in Spring Semester 2026, and this number continues to grow. As participation has increased, so have the services required to coordinate with publishers and faculty members, ensure materials are delivered on time, and provide help to students and faculty when questions arise. This small markup helps cover those operating costs, so Inclusive Access can continue to run smoothly and serve students reliably.

If a course is participating in Inclusive Access, students see the following:

• Information in Course Offerings indicating that a course requires digital course materials that will be automatically billed to students, including the specific item and the cost.
• A 5% markup automatically included in the price listed in Course Offerings at the time of registration.
• A link in Canvas on the first day of class that supports opting out of the program if students already have the course materials or don’t wish to purchase them.

While the exact dollar amount varies by item, the average increase for Fall 2026 is approximately $3.50 per course material per student. This amount is built into the negotiated price of materials and will not appear as a separate charge on student bills. The markup remains lower than what is typically applied by third‑party retailers, while still preserving savings compared to students purchasing materials on their own.

Ohio University remains committed to offering Inclusive Access course materials at a lower cost than retail options. This update helps ensure the program remains affordable, reliable, and sustainable for both students and faculty.