Longhorn Textbook Access – New Fall 2021 Program to Reduce Textbook Cost for Students

Dear faculty colleagues,

I’m writing to share details about a new initiative we will officially launch for Fall 2021 courses to help save students money on their course materials.

Longhorn Textbook Access (LTA) is a new program — sponsored by the Provost’s Office in partnership with University Co-op — that uses institutional leverage and support to reduce the cost of digital learning materials for students while making sure that every student has access to the materials from the first day of class. We have been very intentional to ensure this program can work without infringing on faculty choice of the best learning materials for their course objectives.

The deadline for LTA textbook adoption is July 1, but if you prefer to continue with your course materials in their current format please let the Co-op know your material needs by May 15 to help them with print logistics and student buy-backs.

Can you accomplish your course goals with the digital version of your chosen course materials?

If you answered yes to that question, beginning with the Fall 2021 semester LTA can:

  1.  Make sure your students have access to your digital course materials (textbook and courseware) by the first day of class.
  2. Help reduce the cost to students (32% on average in the Spring 2021 pilot, compared to the next best available price for new materials).

Instructors will use a different ISBN when adopting your course materials with the University Co-op. The University Co-op, our partner in this initiative, or your publisher representative, can help you (or your department support person) apply the correct ISBN. Contact Michael Kiely, TITLE, if you have any questions.

Students pay nothing up front, and are able to acquire books other ways, if available (other retailers, used copies, rentals, etc.). Students will be billed through their UT Austin account if they acquire the materials through LTA. No matter how they choose to acquire the materials, they have free access to your course materials via LTA (in Canvas or through the publisher) starting on the first day of class through the 12th class day.

You can expect more information about LTA from the University Co-op and publishers as part of the regular textbook adoption process. The LTA website has more detailed information and FAQs. If you have additional questions or comments, please feel free to send those to me directly at david.platt@austin.utexas.edu.

Best regards,

David Platt

Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs

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