Students react to new textbook program

On Sept. 26, 2024, a long line formed inside the USU Campus Store as students waited to pick up their textbooks for the new semester.  

The new semester brought the debut of Aggie Access, a flat-rate textbook for undergraduate students that automatically charges students $250 to access all required textbooks.  

According to the store’s website, “Digital books are delivered within Canvas, while all print books will be distributed by the Campus Store. Students can log in to Canvas to view program options, including how to opt out.”  

The website also cites the main program benefits as predictability, convenience, academic success and sustainability.  

Student opinions on the program vary widely, with some praising the convenience factor while others feel scammed.  

Mia Dustin, a senior majoring in dietetics, feels that she benefits from the new program.  

“I was a little hesitant about it at first because I just had to figure out if it was worth it money-wise,” Dustin said.  

With the implementation of Aggie Access, books will no longer be available for rent, only for purchase.  

“I’ll be able to have access to my books after the semester’s over, which was kind of the game changer because now I can keep them for future board exams,” Dustin said.  

Aliyah Walker, a junior broadcast journalism major, is less enthusiastic.  

“It’s a large amount of money that just feels like an added, hidden fee,” Walker said. “I feel like it can be useful if you’re doing an online class, but ultimately I don’t feel like it’s super useful for in-person classes.” 

Sydney Traveler, a sophomore studying biological engineering, was confused by the program.  

“I was trying to look into it, and it was like, ‘If you have questions, click on this page.’” Traveler said. “I did, and it said ‘Error: page not found.’ So that was really great and helpful of them.” 

For some students, the Aggie Access flat rate might be more expensive than buying books individually.  

In a thread posted to the subreddit r/usu, users express distaste for the new program. The author of the initial post wrote, “maybe it makes sense for someone but I never spent close to this amount in textbooks.”  

Another user wrote “My worst semester in 5 years was ~$150 for textbooks and one of them I paid an extra $40 for because I wanted a new one so I could keep it. The $250 is a rip off. Opt out.” 

Traveler shared a similar sentiment. “In most of my classes, I don’t actually need the textbook or I can get it online for cheaper,” Traveler said. “I feel like you have to get five different textbooks to make it worth it, and most people don’t need that many.” 

Some students feel that their classes have more required textbooks than in previous semesters. Will Jessop, a senior majoring in marketing, is among them.  

“I’ve noticed an increased amount of textbooks that are needed in each class,” Jessop said. “Not that it’s the end of the world, but it was kind of interesting for me.” 

Despite this, Jessop believes that Aggie Access is a good idea.  

“I really loved going to TSC and picking up the one physical book I needed,” Jessop said. “They had it there ready to go. It was the most simple book pickup I’ve ever had.”  

Textbooks are currently available through Canvas and the store. The deadline to opt out of Aggie Access is Sept. 16. For more information, visit the campus store website: www.usucampusstore.com/aggieaccess.