Smart Access digital flashcards

What is SmartAccess+?

SmartAccess+ is Cal State Fullerton’s flat-rate course materials program, giving eligible students access to all required books for $245 per fall or spring semester. The program launches in Spring 2026.

Who is eligible for SmartAccess+?

Undergraduate and graduate students are automatically enrolled in SmartAccess+, while Open Enrollment and Extended Education students are not expected to be eligible.

What materials are included in SmartAccess+?

SmartAccess+ includes all required print, digital, and open educational resource (OER) content—such as lab manuals, access codes, and course packs.

What are the benefits of SmartAccess+?

Predictable Pricing , All-in-One Convenience Supports Academic Success, Sustainability-Focused

Is SmartAccess+ mandatory?

Participation in SmartAccess+ is optional, but students are automatically enrolled. You can choose to participate each semester based on your needs. If your professors have assigned few or no materials, consider SmartAccess Flex, which lets you select specific courses to keep access. You may also choose to fully opt out of the program.

What does ‘Opt-Out’ and ‘Opt-In’ mean?

Opting out means choosing not to participate in the program. Opting in means choosing to remain enrolled in the program.

What is the deadline to opt-out of the program?

You have until the university’s add/drop deadline to finalize your SmartAccess+ participation.

Can I permanently opt-out of SmartAccess+?

No, all students are automatically enrolled in SmartAccess+ each semester. If you choose not to participate, you must opt out by the add/drop deadline.

What is the cost of SmartAccess+ and how/when do I pay?

SmartAccess+ costs $245 per semester. If you choose the SmartAccess Flex a la carte option, your cost will depend on the individual titles you choose to retain access to. Because all students are automatically enrolled, the $245 charge is applied to your student account before the semester begins. If you switch to SmartAccess Flex or opt out, your account will be updated to reflect the change.

Does financial aid apply to SmartAccess+?

If you receive financial aid, your disbursement may cover the full SmartAccess+ charge. If any balance remains, you’ll need to pay the difference on your student account.

Will SmartAccess+ affect my academic freedom to select materials for my course?

No. Faculty retain full academic freedom with this program and can continue to select the materials that best suit your course. All textbook options remain available for adoption including paid publisher content and free/open educational resources (OER).

Only required titles are included in the program. Optional, recommended, out-of-print, and titles with limited availability are not included in the program.

NOTE: Old editions have limited availability. The most recent editions will be provided to ensure access.

How do I adopt course materials?

There are no changes to the adoption process. Each academic department manages the adoption submission process differently. If you are unsure of your department’s process, please consult with your department’s administrative coordinator.

Note: SmartAccess+ is a digital first program. This is necessary to ensure students pay lowest possible price for the program. If the content you adopt is available in digital format, it will be provided digitally, either as a free library resource or a paid digital content

I used materials other than publisher textbooks, such as library resources, OER, etc. Can I continue to do so?

Yes. You can continue to use the same content as in previous semesters.

For OER, in the Comments Field of the adoption tool, provide the link to the material being used.

For library resources, in the Comments Field of the adoption tool, provide the link to the material being used. If you do not have the specific link note this in the comments and we will work with the Library staff to obtain the proper link.

What if I need to cancel my adoption?

Using the same process for submitting adoptions to cancel what is no longer needed. It is important to do this as soon as possible to ensure that the program is not paying for content that is not being used.

If digital materials are not suitable for my course for instructional reasons, will exceptions be made?

SmartAccess+ is a digital first program to ensure the lowest price possible for students. If you have an instructional need for print-only material, please email [e-mail] so that staff can identify the best solution.

My course uses OER, library resources, other non-publisher content, or no materials, how does this program benefit my students?

The use of OER and other free library resources combined with paid content helps drive down the overall cost of course materials benefiting all CSUF students. Students’ course material needs will vary from term to term and while your specific course may not utilize paid content, their other courses may require paid content. The goal of the program is to improve access to all required content for all CSUF students at an affordable price. Students will need to evaluate their course material needs each term to determine if they benefit from staying in the program, moving to the Flex option, or opting out altogether.

How do students access their course materials?

Students will access their digital material through the Canvas bookshelf. It will also list any required print textbooks and note when those materials are available for pick-up.

When can students start accessing the materials?

Students will have access to their materials at least 1 week prior to the start of the semester for those course materials submitted by the adoption due date, students. Delays in submitting adoptions can impact the student’s ability to access material timely.

How long will students have access to their digital books and courseware?

Digital material provided in the SmartAccess+ program is for the shortest duration possible to cover the entire semester. This helps keep the program price low. Length of access will vary by publisher. Select digital books can be downloaded to a device after the term is over. Digital books that are part of courseware are only accessible during the semester in which they were provided, and unless otherwise noted, access expires at the end of the semester.

Can my students decline to participate in SmartAccess+?

Participation in SmartAccess+ is not mandatory, but students are automatically enrolled. Students can adjust their participation each semester based on need. If they have courses with very few or low-cost assigned course materials, they may want to consider SmartAccess Flex where they choose for which courses they will retain access to the materials. In the case of no or free materials, they can choose to simply opt-out of the program.

How do students acquire their textbooks if they choose to opt-out of SmartAccess+?

If students have opted out of SmartAccess+, they will need to obtain their course materials through Titan Shops or another source. Access to all paid content will be disabled following an opt-out. Access to OER and library resources will remain active on their Canvas Bookshelf.

Can students download digital books and use them without an internet connection?

Yes, students can download their assigned titles and use the Bookshelf app to study.

Will course materials still be available for purchase at Titan Shops?

Yes, students can still purchase courses materials from Titan Shops at the regular list prices if they have opted out of SmartAccess+.

How can I get a desk copy?

This process remains the same. Contact your publisher representative to request a desk copy. If your course has a required digital book through SmartAccess+, all Canvas users with the role of Teach, Course Admin or TA will receive complimentary access to the digital books through the Canvas Bookshelf. For digital content provided directly through the publisher’s platform, such as courseware, please contact your publisher representative.