Inclusive Access FAQs

A textbook model that converts books into digital, interactive content providing an enhanced learning experience beyond a print text. They may include multi-media video, audio presentations, adaptive quizzes and homework sets which link directly to the related section of the text, plus much more. Access to content is available on the first day of class. Students have the option to opt out of the inclusive access product and purchase content in other formats.

Many students— whether traditional or non-traditional—often need to decide between spending money on course materials and spending money on essential living expenses. No one should be placed in such a position while striving to improve his or her life through education. Inclusive Access products help to greatly reduce the money a student spends on going to school. Along with the reduced cost, IA also tries to help students by converting physical course material into instantly accessible, interactive, and adaptive digital content that is meant be tailored to each student's needs.

As a student registered for a course that uses an IA you will receive an informative email from the College approximately 2-3 weeks prior to classes starting (Email will come to your West Shore Community College email address). This email will provide you will directions to access your IA on WSCC’s Learning Management System, Canvas and how to opt-out if you so choose. If you are having difficulties registering, we have a "How to Register for IA" page on this website to provide some additional help.

You can access your IA on the first day of class!

Students pay for this product through a course material fee, upon registration. The price will vary depending on the material chosen by the instructor but most IA prices are lower than the cost for print textbooks.

Your Faculty and the WSCC Bookstore strongly advise that you attend class and try out the Inclusive Access course material.

You have time to explore prior to deciding whether you want to continue using the new Inclusive Access course material or not.

If you find out you do not want to participate in IA and wish to use a different format, such as print, you can simply let us know you no longer want access to the IA product. You have a few options when it comes to opting-out of IA materials:

1. Click the Portal link provided to you in all email communication about IA materials.
2. Click the Portal Link displayed in Canvas
3. Visit westshore.verbacompare.com, look up your course list, click the “Opt-Out” button next to your IA material

The deadline to opt-out will always be the last date of the Add/Drop period of the current semester in which you are enrolled.

Last day to opt-out Fall Semester 2017: September 13, 2017
Last day to opt-out Winter Semester 2018: January 26, 2018

Yes, if you are dropping the course before the end of the Add/Drop period.

Once billing has been completed, the only option for a retroactive refund is with documented withdrawal from the class.

Once you opt out the WSCC Business Office will place the credit on your student account. Your refund will follow our process and policy. This policy states that 3-4 weeks after the start of classes all refunds checks will be mailed. If your student account shows a balanced owed to the college, your credit will reduce the balance owed.

The print text availability and format will differ, depending on the title chosen by the instructor and the publisher. To find out the print information for purchasing go to the bookstore via the website at: booksource.westshore.edu and select the textbook tab, then select buy my textbook (a purchase is not forced by clicking on buy my textbook). You can also stop in the WSCC Bookstore in the Schoenherr Campus Center or telephone us at 231.843.5506.

If you have any questions concerning the printed textbook PLEASE contact the WSCC Bookstore at the aforementioned number. The HELP information provided below is for assistance in dealing with the technology that is associated with the Inclusive Access product.

If you have any issues while trying out or working with the online content, there are a couple of ways to obtain some help. Email WSCC IT: helpdesk@westshore.edu. In the subject line, enter “Inclusive Access Assist Needed.”

OR

Go to: https://support.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us, which can also be found if you click on the home button while you are using the online Inclusive Access, and then click on the Grid button and click on Support.