Course Access

Learn how Course Access works, how to access materials in Blackboard, how billing and opt-out options work, and where to get help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Course Access, including how to access materials, pricing, opt-out options, billing, and where to get help.

On this page:

What is Course Access?

Course Access (formerly known as Inclusive Access) is a course material delivery model that provides students with digital textbooks and courseware through the campus learning management system. Students enrolled in participating courses automatically receive access to their required materials on or before the first day of class.

The discounted cost of the materials is billed directly to the student account. Students who prefer to obtain materials elsewhere may opt out before the posted deadline.

How do I access my Course Access materials?

Course Access materials are delivered through the campus learning management system (Blackboard). Access typically becomes available on or before the first day of class.

Some courses may require an access code. If applicable, you will receive an email from NDSCS Bookstore with the subject line “Course Access Course Material Information.” Your access instructions or code will appear near the bottom of the message.

If you cannot locate the email, search your inbox for “Course Access,” “NDSCS Bookstore,” or @verbasoftware.com. If you still need assistance, contact the Bookstore at ndscs.bookstore@ndscs.edu.

How much do Course Access materials cost?

The price varies depending on the course materials selected by the instructor and the publisher platform being used. In many cases, Course Access pricing is lower than the cost of purchasing materials individually from publishers or buying a new printed textbook.

What does it mean to opt out?

Students are automatically enrolled in the Course Access program for participating courses. If you prefer to obtain your materials independently, you may opt out before the posted deadline for the semester.

If you choose to opt out, the charge will be removed from your student account and access to the digital course materials will be revoked. You will then be responsible for obtaining the required materials on your own.

I opted out by mistake. Can I opt back in?

Yes. Visit your Course Access student portal to review your current course status and select the option to opt back in for the course. You may also contact the Bookstore for assistance at ndscs.bookstore@ndscs.edu.

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

Students who drop a course during the official drop period are automatically removed from the Course Access program and will not be billed. After the drop period ends, refunds are subject to the college’s tuition cancellation policies.

I added a course late. Can I still access the materials?

If you add a course after the Course Access opt-out deadline, please contact the Bookstore at ndscs.bookstore@ndscs.edu for assistance accessing your course materials.

Do I keep access to Course Access materials after the class ends?

Access duration varies by publisher and platform. Some digital materials remain available for a limited time after the course ends, while others expire at the end of the semester. Access details are determined by the publisher providing the content.

Who should I contact if I am having trouble accessing my course materials?

The Bookstore works with faculty and course material providers to coordinate Course Access content. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing materials through Blackboard, contact your instructor first.

For billing questions or Course Access enrollment assistance, please contact the Bookstore at ndscs.bookstore@ndscs.edu.

I have more questions. Who should I contact?

If your question is not answered here, please contact the Bookstore at ndscs.bookstore@ndscs.edu.

Course Access Billing Information

Students enrolled in courses participating in the Course Access program are automatically provided access to their required digital course materials through Blackboard on or before the first day of class.

The discounted cost of the materials is billed directly to the student account. Students who prefer to obtain course materials independently may opt out before the posted deadline for the semester.

If you choose to opt out, the Course Access charge will be removed from your student account and access to the digital course materials will be revoked.

Note: While the NDSCS ITS Help Desk can assist with general technology issues, questions specifically related to Course Access materials should be directed to the NDSCS Bookstore.

Publisher Support

Select a publisher below to visit its support page for assistance with courseware platforms, access codes, and digital textbooks. Publisher support links open in a new tab.

Contact the Bookstore

Email: ndscs.bookstore@ndscs.edu