Inclusive Access Initiative at ODU 

Inclusive Access

ODU is committed to reducing the cost of course materials for students through our various Affordable Learning Initiatives, including Inclusive Access. As an OhioLINK member institution, Ohio Dominican University benefits from significantly lower pricing for specific electronic textbooks and courseware packages designated as Inclusive Access Course Materials in our Slingshot Bookstore. OhioLINK negotiated with McGraw-Hill, Pearson, Cengage, and Sage on our behalf to reduce the wholesale price of e-textbooks by up to 80% and courseware by up to 55%—totaling more than $50 million in potential costs savings to students each year

Benefits of Utilizing Inclusive Access Course Materials

  • Significant price reduction compared to purchasing materials through traditional retail channels.
  • Straightforward billing through the Business Office along with tuition.
  • Convenient access to Inclusive Access Course Materials right in PantherLearn.
  • Ability to opt out of receiving Inclusive Access materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Inclusive Access?
Inclusive Access is a model where all students enrolled in a class get immediate access to e-textbooks and courseware on day one of the course (or before) via PantherLearn. The Inclusive Access materials will be greatly discounted and included with term charges on your ODU student account. Back to FAQ

How is Inclusive Access different from Slingshot eBooks?
Inclusive Access course materials will be cheaper than they would be if sourced by Slingshot alone, due to the OhioLINK agreements with select publishers. Additionally, Slingshot eBooks will be accessed through your Slingshot Account whereas Inclusive Access e-textbooks and courseware will be accessed through the Course Materials module in your PantherLearn course shell. The cost for both Slingshot eBooks and Inclusive Access course materials will be billed to your student account alongside tuition and other fees. Back to FAQ

What is courseware?
Interactive courseware is much more than just an eBook. While platforms like MyLabs, MindTap, and MHE Connect typically include a full electronic text, they have added interactive content designed to make the reading more engaging. Back to FAQ

How long do I have access to courseware?
Publisher interactive products are available for the length of the term, and students access these products via PantherLearn. This can include videos and interactive animations, quizzes, and homework sets with hints and/or links to the related text for incorrect answers, serving as a virtual tutor. They also allow for various levels of customization by the instructor, peer-to-peer sharing of notes, and the creation of digital flashcards that you can use with smartphone apps. Back to FAQ

What does Inclusive Access cost?
The price varies depending upon the platform and content used by the instructor. Inclusive Access e-textbook prices are up to 80 percent lower than the cost of a new, printed text, and Inclusive Access e-textbook + courseware prices are up to 55 percent lower than the cost of purchasing access directly from the publisher. Back to FAQ

How do I gain access?
You will automatically have access to materials through your PantherLearn course shell if you are taking a course that is utilizing Inclusive Access course materials. Back to FAQ

How long do I have access to my e-textbook?
You will have access to your e-textbook through PantherLearn as soon as the LMS is open for students. Different publishers have different access guidelines, but at a minimum, students have access to the material for one year online. Back to FAQ

How do I pay for my access?
You do not need to purchase any Inclusive Access materials from the bookstore on your own. The cost of your Inclusive Access course materials will be billed alongside tuition and other fees to your student account approximately two weeks before classes start. Back to FAQ

What does it mean to opt out?
You may opt out of Inclusive Access Course Materials in PantherLearn or by emailing ohiodominican@slignshotedu.com. When you opt out, access to all online content is disconnected and billing adjustments are made once the opt out notification is received by the ODU Business Office and you will be responsible for purchasing required materials on your own. The opt out deadline for all Inclusive Access courses is the 14th day of the term. Inclusive Access offers a savings up to 80 percent off the print option, and should you opt out, that savings will not be available with other options. Note that opting out of Inclusive Access does not opt you out of the Slingshot Choice Subscription Model and vice versa. Back to FAQ

Do I still need to opt out if I dropped the course?
No, you do not need to formally opt out of Inclusive Access if you drop the course during the drop/add period. Automatic billing adjustments will be made for students who drop a course within the required add/drop dates. Back to FAQ

I am wait-listed for a course. Will I have access to the online materials, and do I need to opt out if I don’t get into the course?
Students who are wait-listed do not have access to the PantherLearn course shell, and so wait-listed students would not have access to Inclusive Access materials on the first day of class. If you were wait-listed and never got into the class, you would not need to opt out. You are not billed the materials charge unless you are actually in the course, so wait-listed students will not be charged until they are accepted in the course. Back to FAQ

If I added a class late, do I still have 14 days to opt out?
The deadline to opt out is the 14th day of the term. Whether you add the class on the first day, the 10th day or the 13th day does not matter. You must still opt out by the 14th day of the term. Back to FAQ

Who do I contact if I have more questions?
If you have specific questions about your Inclusive Access class, please contact the Slingshot Bookstore at ohiodominican@slingshotedu.com. Back to FAQ

Who do I contact if I need technical or access support?
Please contact helpdesk@ohiodominican.edu for technical support. Back to FAQ