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The Wildcat Flex Advantage program provides students with affordable, convenient access to required digital course materials before classes begin. Having materials available on or before the first day of class helps students start coursework immediately without delays.
How the Program Works
Students are automatically enrolled in the Wildcat Flex Advantage program each semester. This ensures they receive access to required digital course materials before classes begin.
If a student chooses to opt out during the official add/drop period, they become responsible for purchasing all required course materials independently.
Course Material Fees
The course material fee is included on the student's tuition and fee bill.
How does billing work?
The Wildcat Flex Advantage fee is credit-hour-enrollment per textbook status. If a textbook is used in 12-18 hours of a student's schedule, that student is billed $400. If a textbook is used in fewer than 12 credit hours of their schedule, the student is billed $25/credit hour for which a book is used.
Examples:
- If a student is taking 15 credit hours (5, 3-credit-hour courses) and 4 or more of their classes use a textbook, they will be charged $400.00.
- If a student is taking 15 credit hours (5, 3-credit-hour courses) and fewer than 4 of their classes use a book, they will be charged $25/credit hour.
- If a student's schedule reflects textbook usage in more than 18 credit hours, they will pay $400 + $25/credit hour for every hour over 18 that uses a textbook.
Why Students Are Automatically Enrolled
Automatic enrollment ensures students have immediate access to their required textbooks and learning materials before classes begin.
Research consistently shows that students perform better when they have access to course materials from the first day of class, allowing them to begin reading, complete assignments, and participate without delays.
Opting Out
Students may opt out of the Wildcat Flex Advantage program during the official add/drop period.
If a student opts out:
- The course material charges will be removed from the student's account.
- The student is responsible for obtaining all required course materials independently.
- Access to digital course materials provided through the program will be removed.
Important: Students enrolled in courses that use publisher courseware are strongly encouraged to remain enrolled in the program.
Why Stay Enrolled?
Many courses use publisher courseware that includes much more than an electronic textbook. These platforms often provide:
- Homework assignments
- Quizzes and exams
- Automatic grading
- Gradebook integration with Canvas
- Interactive learning tools
Purchasing these materials independently may:
- Cost more than the program fee
- Delay student access
- Create technical setup challenges
- Impact assignment completion and grades
First-Day Access
Wildcat Flex Advantage allows students to begin coursework immediately without waiting for:
- Shipping delays
- Financial aid processing
- Backordered textbooks
- Purchasing materials separately
Billing & Frequently Asked Questions
Who to Contact
Business Office
Contact the Business Office for:
- Billing questions
- Student account charges
- Financial aid questions
The Exchange
Contact The Exchange for:
- Textbook access
- Course materials
- Opt-out questions
- Digital access issues
Please Note: The Business Office must provide permission before The Exchange can discuss a student's account or educational information with a parent.