The University of New Mexico Bookstores has launched a two-year pilot program aimed at providing affordable course materials to undergraduate students on the Albuquerque campus. The Course Materials Access initiative, introduced ahead of the Fall 2025 semester, is intended to ensure that students have access to all required materials by the first day of class at a set price.
Under the new program, all Albuquerque campus undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the Complete option for the 2025-26 academic year. This plan offers all required course materials—including textbooks, digital content, and course kits—for $279 per semester. Students may view their required materials through Canvas, UNM’s learning management system, and can change their participation option before September 5. Print materials are available for pickup beginning August 10 at the Central Campus UNM Bookstore.
Three options are available to students:
– Complete: All required course materials for $279 per semester.
– Select: Purchase only selected digital or print materials for registered courses.
– Opt-Out: Obtain all necessary materials independently.
Canvas also features an integrated price comparison tool to help students choose the most suitable option.
The university notes that this pilot expands upon its previous Inclusive Access (IA) program, which over the past decade has provided digital course content at reduced prices and reportedly saved students millions of dollars. By fiscal year 2025, approximately 80% of course materials sold at UNM Bookstores were part of IA. The new initiative is expected to increase flexibility and choice for students while maintaining affordability.
Faculty will retain responsibility for selecting appropriate course materials and formats. According to university officials, “The pilot will run for two academic years to allow for data collection and evaluation across multiple semesters. The UNM Bookstores will work with students, faculty, and staff to gather feedback on affordability, preparedness, and academic success before determining the program’s future.”
Further details about the Course Materials Access program can be found on its official website at https://coursematerialsaccess.unm.edu/.
