Direct Access Course Material Program

Direct Access takes the hassle out of getting course materials by providing students with convenient access to their required materials by the start of classes.

On this page:

Program Overview

What is the Direct Access program?

Direct Access takes the hassle out of getting course materials by providing students with convenient access to required materials by the start of classes. The program aims to ensure students arrive to class prepared, without stress about obtaining materials, and with access to the most recent versions. Digital materials are available directly in Blackboard, where students can view their online library, utilize digital tools, and benefit from features that support their learning.

Follett works on behalf of Towson University to negotiate required material prices with publishers down to the lowest possible price, then works with the campus store to ensure all participating digital materials appear in Blackboard by the first day of class.

Faculty can choose to enroll all, some, or none of their courses in the Direct Access program each term.

What are the benefits of the program?

  • Faculty can begin teaching on the first day of class, as all students are prepared with the correct materials.
  • Required course materials are available digitally in each student's Blackboard account by day one of class.
  • Easy access and management of digital course materials within Blackboard.
  • Reduced student stress related to finding and purchasing the correct materials in time.
  • Digital platforms offer key features such as highlighting, flashcards, and note-sharing.
  • Students can save up to 60% off equivalent pricing for required course materials.

Will students save money?

Yes. Students can save up to 60% off the original price thanks to Towson University's relationships with publishing partners and the bookstore's bulk purchasing power. While most Direct Access courses offer meaningful cost savings—particularly for digital materials—the program's primary benefits are convenience, day-one readiness, and the ability to use financial aid and other funding toward course material fees, which appear on the student's account upfront.

Faculty Participation

Will this affect my textbook selection or academic freedom?

No. Faculty retain full academic freedom and continue selecting the required materials, formats, editions, and providers that best support their courses, including open educational resources. Faculty also determine whether their courses participate in Direct Access each term.

When should I submit my course materials?

All faculty—regardless of Direct Access participation—submit their adoptions to Sam Haselkorn, Course Materials Market Manager, via the Follett Adopt tool housed in the My Materials link in Blackboard. Faculty who would like to participate in the Direct Access program should notify Sam (2414txt@follett.com) at the point of adoption submission.

Adoption submission deadlines (per the TU Textbook Affordability Policy):

  • Summer: March 31
  • Fall: April 15
  • Spring: November 10

What types of materials can I include?

For courses participating in Direct Access, only required course materials are included in the program. Materials may include:

  • Digital textbooks
  • Courseware and access codes
  • Online learning platforms

Optional or recommended titles and supplies can still be adopted but would not be included in the program. Please note those materials upon adoption submission.

What is the difference between "Required" and "Recommended" course materials?

  • Required: Necessary for the student to fully participate in the course. Only required materials are included in Direct Access.
  • Recommended/Optional: Suggested by the instructor to support learning, but not mandatory. These materials may be purchased separately at the Towson U Store.

Can I indicate that no textbook is required?

Yes. The Follett Adopt tool includes options to select OER (Open Educational Resources) or "No Titles Needed." Courses selecting either option would not participate in the Direct Access program.

How do I adopt digital materials for Direct Access?

In Follett Adopt, select the Access option when submitting your adoption.

What if I need a desk copy or instructor copy?

  • Complimentary eBook copies are available through My Materials > Bookshelves. Faculty can also request eBook copies directly in the Adopt tool.
  • Faculty courseware and physical instructor copies are provided directly from publishers.

What is my responsibility regarding compliance?

Faculty are expected to adhere to the requirements outlined in the TU Textbook Affordability Policy, including submission deadlines.

How the Program Works

How does the system work for students?

All students can view their required and recommended course materials via the My Materials link in Blackboard. This link is available to all students and faculty and is not specific to Direct Access.

For courses not participating in Direct Access, students will see an option to launch to the bookstore website to purchase their materials. For courses participating in Direct Access, the paywall is removed and a course charge is applied to the student's university account, allowing students to access their required materials immediately—on or before the first day of class.

How do students get their course materials?

Once a student registers for a participating course, they are automatically enrolled in Direct Access for that course and the campus store prepares their required materials. Students will receive confirmation emails to their university email address with details on accessing digital materials in Blackboard. Relevant emails include:

  • Important Information Regarding Your Course Materials for the Upcoming Term (Faculty & Students)
  • Welcome to Direct Access (Students)
  • Your Order is Ready for Pick-Up (Students with physical materials)

How do students access their required digital course materials?

Students participating in the program will have their required digital materials available directly in Blackboard. Students may also receive emails from no-reply@kortext.com with instructions for accessing materials. For technical issues, students can email support-us@kortext.com or visit the Kortext help site.

What notifications can faculty and students expect?

Faculty choose to participate their courses in Direct Access at the point of adoption submission. Students are notified when they enroll in a participating course. All participating students and faculty will receive communications to their university email address with program information including deadlines, fees, and opt-out/opt-in instructions. Relevant email subject lines to watch for:

  • Kortext | Your New Materials from… (Faculty)
  • Important Information Regarding Your Course Materials for the Upcoming Term (Faculty & Students)
  • Welcome to Direct Access (Students)

What changes should faculty and students expect in their user experience?

All faculty and students will use the My Materials link in Blackboard to submit or view their course materials. For participating courses, the paywall is removed and the course charge is applied to the student's university account, allowing students to access their required materials and begin learning on day one.

Student Enrollment and Opt-Out

Is the program mandatory for students, or can they opt out?

All students who register for a participating course are automatically enrolled in the program. Students may choose to opt out before the opt-out deadline and receive a full refund. Students who opt out are responsible for independently finding and purchasing their required materials. There is no penalty for opting out, but students must take action to opt out each term.

Watch a demonstration video of the opt-out process.

What if a student opted out or opted in by mistake?

If the opt-out/opt-in period has not ended, students can reverse their decision by logging into the opt-out portal (linked in the program email from the university) and selecting the appropriate option.

What if a student adds or drops a participating course?

  • Added courses: Within 24 hours of adding a course, students will receive an email with details on accessing their digital materials, or materials will be provisioned directly into Blackboard.
  • Dropped courses: For courses dropped prior to the last day to drop/add/opt-out, access to digital materials will be automatically disabled.

Do students get to keep their materials at the end of the term?

Digital materials can be accessed for a minimum of 180 days after the term ends. Access may be available for a longer period depending on the material adopted and the publisher's terms.

What if a student is in a course not participating in the program?

Students in non-participating courses can still purchase their materials online or in person at the Towson U Store. Students who would like to participate in the program are encouraged to speak with their faculty about enrolling the course.

Tools and Technology

What tools are specific to the Direct Access program?

  • The Customer Portal: Students enrolled in participating courses use this portal to manage their opt-in/opt-out decision. The URL is emailed to students when the opt-out period opens, along with instructions.
  • Follett Willo LTI: Used for courseware delivery within Blackboard. Follett works with publisher partners to determine which participating courses use this tool.

How do students log into the system?

Students in participating courses will have their required digital materials available in Blackboard via the My Materials link. This link is available to all students and faculty and does not require a separate login specific to Direct Access.

Support and Contacts

Who do I contact for help?

Faculty Adoption Questions
Sam Haselkorn, Course Materials Market Manager — 2414txt@follett.com

Direct Access Course Material Setup Questions
Peter Graff, Access Success Leader — G.Peter@follett.com

Student Support

Faculty Support