Akron All-in Book Bundle reduces textbook costs for students

Undergraduate students will have access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes and electronic book versions before the first day of class, beginning fall 2024.

The University of Akron (UA) is proud to be making it even easier and more affordable for undergraduate students at its main and regional campuses to access all the textbooks and course materials they’ll need each semester with the launch of the Akron All-in Book Bundle, a Barnes & Noble College First Day® Complete equitable access program.

Beginning this fall, UA students can expect to save 30% to 50% on their course materials through the Akron All-in Book Bundle. The program offers a flat-rate bundle that includes books, lab manuals and other required resources. In a significant benefit to students, scholarships and financial aid can be applied to the bundle, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background.

“Enhancing our students' educational experience is always top priority, and this program ensures they have an affordable option for textbooks that can be conveniently supported by financial aid.” said Dr. John Messina, vice president for student affairs. “The amazing thing about our adoption of this program is that students brought it forward for consideration with solid feedback from peers.”

Recognizing the affordable and accessible textbook solutions with the program, UA’s Undergraduate Student Government enthusiastically passed a resolution supporting the Akron All-in Book Bundle and acknowledged its potential to alleviate financial pressures and enhance accessibility for all students.

UA joins more than 140 institutions nationwide in this new partnership with Barnes & Noble College that empowers students with increased affordability, access and convenience to have all their course materials ready before the first day of classes, setting them up for academic success from the start.

How does it work?

Enrollment in the Akron All-in Book Bundle program is automatic for all undergraduate students. Students can opt-out at any point during the opt-out period leading into the start of the semester and still purchase textbooks individually if they prefer.

After registering for courses, students will begin receiving communication 30 days prior to the start of the semester to their UA email from Barnes & Noble. Students will be asked to select their preferred delivery method. The bookstore will then prepare the materials and notify students when they are ready for pickup or have been shipped. Digital materials will be integrated directly into students’ Brightspace courses, ensuring they have everything they need right at their fingertips.

If a student's course schedule changes, the program and Barnes & Noble will adjust the textbook requirements accordingly to ensure that students always have the correct materials for their courses.

At the end of each semester, students can return their course materials to the bookstore or opt to buy their textbooks. Re-enrollment in the program occurs automatically each semester, though students can choose to opt-out or opt back in at any time.

And for faculty, the Akron All-in Book Bundle continues supporting academic freedom and members can choose the most appropriate materials for their courses, regardless of publisher or format.

Visit uakron.edu/bookbundle to learn more about the Akron All-in Book Bundle.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476, cboyd@uakron.edu

Barnes & Noble College, a Barnes & Noble Education company, operates more than 700 campus stores nationwide and will offer its First Day® Complete equitable access model through 140 campus bookstores in fall 2024, impacting over 800,000 undergraduate and graduate students. For more information about Barnes & Noble College’s services and locations, visit http://www.bncollege.com.