Program launches this summer and fall in select classes

Austin Community College (ACC) is helping students save money on texbooks by implementing the First Day Program, which provides deep discounts on digital textbooks and class materials.

Through the program, students pay a textbook fee as part of class tuition and fees. The materials are available on the first day of class through Blackboard.

“This program will help students overcome some major hurdles. Research has shown that students who have their textbooks and materials on the first day of class are much more likely to succeed,” says Dr. Charles Cook, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “We also know that paying for textbooks is a burden for many. Through the First Day program, we can offer these materials at a much lower price.”

Offered in partnership with the ACC Bookstore and professors, students skip textbook lines and instead, get their materials in digital formats that can be accessed on any digital device. Students in the First Day Program receive them at the lowest price available from the publisher. For many of the digital texts/materials, students may obtain a print copy for an extra fee at the Bookstore if they choose.

Opt out is available
Students who sign up for First Day classes have the option to opt-out of the discount and purchase their own materials. Those opting out must still pay the fee during registration but may submit an opt-out request and later receive a refund. Students who opt out are still responsible for purchasing the required materials.

How to participate
The First Day Program is available for select courses beginning this summer or fall. Students may find and select classes using the Self-Service course schedule. The following courses are available:

• Anatomy and Physiology (MDCA 1009)
• Developmental Math-First Semester (MATD 0421)
• Developmental Math-Second Semester (MATD 0422)
• Essentials of Medical Terminology (HPRS 1006)
• Integrated College Reading and Writing (INRW 0430)
• Intro to Psychology (PSYC 2301)
• Intro to Speech Communication (SPCH 1311)
• Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Information (HITT 1053)
• Mexican-American History 1 (HIST 2327)
• Pharmacology (HITT 1049)
• Pharmacology for Health Professionals (HPRS 2300)
• Principles of Accounting 1-Financial (ACCT 2301)
• Support for College Algebra (NCBM 0214)
• Texas State and Local Government (GOVT 2306)
• U.S. History 1 (HIST 1301)

For more information, visit austincc.edu/firstday.

Tags: courses, digital materials, discount, First Day, textbook, textbooks