Inclusive Access FAQs

What is Inclusive Access?

Elizabethtown College’s inclusive access program converts physical course materials into instantly accessible, interactive, and adaptive digital content, while reducing the cost to students. Students are able to access course materials through their Canvas dashboard by the first day of class, and materials are automatically billed to student accounts after the course drop/add period ends.

What is an interactive or adaptive learning platform?

Interactive learning platforms, or ILPs, are much more than just e-books. These interactive software platforms, also known as courseware, provide an enhanced learning experience beyond reading the text. ILPs may include multi-media video and audio presentations, animation, adaptive quizzes, and homework sets that link directly to the related section of text when incorrect answers are given. They also allow for various levels of customization by the instructor, peer-to-peer sharing of notes, and the creation of digital flashcards that can be used with smartphone apps.

How much does inclusive access cost?

The price varies depending upon the course materials chosen by the instructor, but most inclusive access prices are lower than the cost of accessing the materials directly through the publisher or purchasing comparable print or electronic materials elsewhere. Search for course materials on the college store website to find the price of individual inclusive access titles adopted for your courses.

How will I get access to inclusive access materials?

As an Elizabethtown College student, you are automatically enrolled in the program and will receive an email prior to the start of class that lists the inclusive access materials your instructors have adopted. You will be able to access the materials directly from your Canvas course pages by clicking on the “Textbook Requirements – Inclusive Access” link for ebooks or clicking on assignments that use courseware.

How do I pay for my access?

Access is free during the opt-out period for the course. After the opt-out deadline (noted in the email you receive before class starts), the price of materials you have kept will be billed to your student account.

How do I opt out of inclusive access?

If you do not wish to purchase inclusive access materials, you must opt out of them before the opt-out deadline, which coincides with the course add/drop deadline. Opt out of each inclusive access title separately by clicking on the “Want to Opt Out?” button on the title’s cover tile in your Canvas course page. If you have opted out by the deadline, you will lose access to the contents after that date, and you will not be billed for the material.

I did not opt out, but I did not open the course materials or use the online platform. Will I still be billed?

Yes. All students who are enrolled in a course using inclusive access are automatically part of the program. To avoid being billed you must opt out online before the opt-out deadline.

I dropped the course. Do I still need to opt out?

Students who drop the course during the no-fault drop/add period will automatically be opted out and will not be billed. Students who drop a class after the opt-out deadline should contact the Elizabethtown College Store (in person or by emailing [email protected]) within 7 days. Late opt-out requests will be reviewed and refunds granted on a case-by-case basis.

I forgot to opt out and missed the deadline. Can I get a refund now?

Once the opt-out deadline has passed, you can only receive a refund for inclusive access materials if you contact us within 7 days of the deadline and provide proof of withdrawal from the class. Please stop by the store or email the course materials manager at [email protected] to request a refund.

I opted out of inclusive access for my course, but I changed my mind. Can I get back in?

No problem! If you are within the add/drop period, you can opt back in on your own through your Canvas page. If the add/drop deadline has passed, send an email to [email protected] and let us know your name, course information, and which materials you’d like to opt back into. We’ll take care of the rest.

Who should I contact if I am having trouble accessing the online content?

If you have trouble accessing the materials, first try a different web browser. Chrome and Firefox work better than Safari. Be sure your pop-up blockers are off and cookies are allowed. If you still can’t access the content, check with your professors to confirm they have made the content available to students in their Canvas pages. If you still have issues, bring your laptop to the college store during store hours or email a description to the problem and screenshots of any error messages you receive to [email protected].  Vital Source, the company that provides inclusive access to the college, also offers 24/7 troubleshooting help at support.vitalsource.com.

I have further questions that were not addressed. Who do I contact?

If your question wasn’t answered in this FAQ, please contact [email protected] for more information.