Inclusive access, explained
What Is Inclusive Access?
Inclusive access is a class-by-class course material delivery model that gives participating students access to required digital content on or before the first day of class.
Materials are typically delivered through the institution’s learning management system, with the cost included in tuition or course fees. Students retain the flexibility to opt out within the institution’s designated period, while faculty maintain control over the materials selected for each course.
Why inclusive access?
Remove Barriers Before the First Class
Inclusive access brings affordability, convenience and consistent course readiness into one coordinated program.
Access for every student
Required course materials are available from day one, so every student can begin the course with the same essential resources.
Fewer fulfilment delays
Digital-first delivery helps remove shipping delays and out-of-stock issues that can keep students from starting their work.
Lower material costs
Inclusive access can reduce the cost of required materials compared with traditional textbook purchasing, with savings varying by course and content.
Faculty-led selection
Professors continue to select the e-books, courseware, OER and faculty-created content that best support their courses.
A stronger start
When students are prepared from the first class, they can engage with assignments sooner and stay focused on course progress.
Flexible course material delivery
One Program. The Materials Your Courses Need.
Harris Learning Solutions brings the content, delivery and participation model into one coordinated inclusive access experience for institutions, faculty and students.
COVERAGE
Access through the drop date
Course material costs are included within the institution’s program or tuition structure, with access available through the designated drop period.
DELIVERY
Available before class begins
E-textbooks and other digital resources are delivered to participating students on or before the first day of class.
FORMAT
Digital first, with print when needed
Digital delivery provides immediate access, while physical books can be supported when a digital format is not available.
CONTENT
More than e-textbooks
Programs can include e-books, courseware, open educational resources and faculty-created content selected for the course.
CHOICE
Clear participation options
Institutional workflows can support opt-in and opt-out requirements while keeping the student experience straightforward.
The impact of affordable access
A Better Start Can Shape the Whole Course
Students report that affordable access programs improve readiness, convenience and their overall academic experience.
86%
of students said affordable access programs made them feel better prepared for class.*
91%
of students find it convenient to have course materials included with tuition or fees.*
83%
of students believe access programs had a positive impact on their academic success.*
*Source: Keep Textbooks Affordable
A path for long-term expansion
Start Class by Class. Grow Campus-Wide.
Institutions often begin with inclusive access and expand toward equitable access as they build a broader course material strategy.
Course-by-course model
Inclusive Access
Required materials are delivered to students enrolled in selected participating courses, with faculty choosing the content used in each class.
• Implemented for selected courses
• Material cost tied to each class
• A practical first step for institutions
Campus-wide model
Equitable Access
The program expands across the institution, providing required course materials to all students through a consistent campus-wide fee.
• Designed for institution-wide coverage
• Set fee for participating students
• Greater potential for coordinated savings
Both models support affordability and reliable access to required materials from day one.
Inclusive access deployment
From Course Selection to Day-One Delivery
Harris Learning Solutions works with institutions to coordinate the program, integrate delivery and support a clear experience for students.
01
Align the program
The institution identifies participating courses, confirms materials and incorporates program costs into tuition or course fees.
02
Connect and deliver
Harris Learning Solutions coordinates LMS delivery so students can access digital course materials before the first class.
03
Support student choice
Students receive clear instructions and can opt out within the institution’s established participation period.
04
Confirm enrolment
After participation is confirmed, Harris Learning Solutions bills the institution based on eligible program enrolment.
Frequently asked questions
Inclusive Access FAQs
The essentials institutions, instructors and students need to understand before a program begins.
Inclusive access is a course-by-course delivery model in which required digital materials are provided to participating students on or before the first day of class. The cost is generally included in tuition or course fees, and students receive an opportunity to opt out under the institution’s process.
Digital course materials are typically delivered through the institution’s learning management system. This gives students one familiar place to access e-textbooks, courseware and related resources without waiting for a separate shipment.
An inclusive access program can include e-books, courseware, open educational resources, faculty-created content and, where digital content is unavailable, physical books. The exact mix is selected for each participating course.
Yes. Participating institutions provide an opt-out process and deadline. Students who opt out lose access to the program materials and are responsible for obtaining the required content separately.
Inclusive access is generally implemented course by course, with materials and pricing tied to participating classes. Equitable access expands the model campus-wide and typically uses a set fee to cover required materials across a student’s courses.
Make Day-One Access the Standard
Talk with Harris Learning Solutions about an inclusive access program that fits your courses, systems and students.
