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Faculty will continue to select and adopt textbooks using the same process as in the past by submitting a list of required and recommended textbooks to the bookstore.

Courses are not required to utilize Canvas. However, if faculty members plan to use any digital materials through eReserves or GrinnBooks, you must publish a Canvas page in order for students to access those materials. 

All required textbooks designated by the instructor are included in the program. These include all textbooks, workbooks, and other assigned reading.

Examples of items eligible for coverage by GrinnBooks are textbooks, courseware, or other academic software with an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). Open Educational Resource (OER) material, and eReserves will continue to be available to students as well. 

Materials listed on the recommended reading lists are not included in the GrinnBooks program but are often available in the Burling Library reserve collection or at the Low-Income Lending Library for students who qualify. Students have the option to purchase recommended materials from the Pioneer Bookshop or a vendor of their choice.

Depending upon individual circumstances, students may still need to purchase their own basic supplies (notebooks, pens, etc.), as well as some course-specific items, such as lab goggles, calculators, or other non-text materials.

The cost of required textbooks is now included in the comprehensive fee.  There are no additional charges for required textbooks. 

Based upon our estimates, students should expect to save an average of $150 per semester on textbooks through GrinnBooks versus purchasing textbooks on their own.

Students who opt out of the program by the deadline will receive a credit to their student account, based on full-time enrollment for the term. 

No. Faculty retain full academic freedom under this program. Faculty may choose the textbooks that best fit the needs of your course, including the content provider, edition, and medium. If a book is out of print and unavailable, the bookstore will work with faculty to find an alternative solution.

Students should expect to see an average savings of up to $150 per semester on their textbook costs. Your students will have the textbooks that you select available to them by the first day of class. Every student maintains their full autonomy and may opt out of the program.

There is no change to the current process. Faculty will adopt content through the same online adoption tool used in past years. This tool is only available during active adoption periods. If faculty are unable to access the adoption tool, they should contact the Pioneer Bookshop.

Faculty will have full autonomy regarding the format chosen for their textbooks.  While the course adoption process will default to digital course material, faculty are free to choose a printed material.  It is important to note that digital material adoption will reduce the cost of textbooks for students and the institution. 

If a book is out of print and unavailable, the bookstore will work with faculty to find an alternative solution.

No. The material medium is selected by the instructor for each individual course.

Please see the Important Dates.

While there is some flexibility in the deadlines for extenuating circumstances, faculty are strongly encouraged to make their material adoptions by the deadline in order to allow the bookstore, libraries, and ITS staff sufficient time to process orders and ensure materials are available to all students on time. We realize faculty may be teaching new courses and refining reading lists and new faculty members will join the 51���app community.  Adjusted deadlines are in place that both recognize these circumstances and ensure these faculty members can adopt their textbooks in a timely fashion prior to the start of the term. 

Adoptions submitted after the material adoption deadline will be fulfilled with digital-only textbooks.  If print material is essential for the course, a late charge per title may be assessed.

Prior to the start of the term, if faculty need to change their textbook adoptions they should contact the bookstore.  If the change involves print materials, a late fee may be assessed. If you are unable to meet the deadline due to exceptional circumstances, please contact the Dean's Office about an individual deadline extension.

Only materials identified by the instructor as “required” are included in the program. Materials listed on the recommended reading lists are often available in the Burling Library reserve collection or at the Low-Income Lending Library.

The eReserves process will remain the same, and you can continue to work with your academic assistants or directly with the libraries to ensure those materials will be available for your students.

This process remains unchanged. Your academic assistant will reach out to the publisher representative to request a desk copy. 

The Office of Disability Resources and Assistive Technology is available to assist students with a documented accommodation for an alternate format for their books (e.g., readable PDF, Braille, large print, etc.).  Students are required to have a copy of their textbook (digital or print) to receive services. To arrange for alternate formats or to request accommodations, students should email Disability Resources and Assistive Technology  or call 641-269-3089. You can find more information on the Assistive Technology(login required).

Any additional questions regarding this program should be direct to Brad Lindberg, Associate Vice President of Institutional Initiatives and Enrollment.