Why is Inclusive Access important? To answer this question, I will quote the great American Polymath, Lester Frank Ward, “the thing that is rare is opportunity, not ability”. The current, and most prevalent, course materials acquisition model puts the onus of obtaining course materials on to the student. This model is fraught with hurdles and challenges that are universally felt, but not overcome. My belief is that if we provide the opportunity to be successful, students have the ability and resolve to persist.

Frontlines

As a bookstore manager, I witnessed the challenges student faced every semester in trying to afford their course materials. I watched and listened to them decide between paying their light bill, or eating, or paying for their course materials. Many administrators, lawmakers, or observers either don’t know what that’s like, or they have forgotten. But I will never forget their faces or their emotions as the made those choices. I think being on the frontlines for those struggles helps keep me connected to the research and understanding the importance of access to course materials.

Access = Opportunity

The number one reason why Inclusive Access and Equitable Access are important is because they offer access to the required course materials for every single student enrolled in the course. Students do not have to travel to the campus bookstore, try to find their course materials on the shelf or order them online, wait for them to be shipped, or choose between basic needs and textbooks.

The use of Inclusive Access and Equitable Access course materials programs means that students have their materials on or before the start of class. This provides every student with a level playing field to start the class. Having the course materials on or before the first day of class means opportunity. Idealistically, this opportunity means a student can show their ability in the classroom and not their ability to navigate the acquisitions process.

Perspective

Dr. Naheed Dosani of the University of Toronto Medicine tweeted: Equality is giving everyone a shoe. Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits. Justice is when we don’t need to give everyone a shoe because they can get their own shoe… a shoe that fits. I think this quote fits how I think of Inclusive and Equitable Access. With Inclusive Access and Equitable Access and the opt-out provisions as required by law, each student now gets a shoe that fits. If a student thinks they can obtain their course materials cheaper by opting out of these programs, they have the freedom to do so. However, the research suggest they are more likely to pass if they do not opt out.

Arguments

As I said before, I am clearly an Inclusive Access and Equitable Access enthusiast. However, I will not dismiss there are other models out there that make sense for certain situations or programs. I will not argue that the implementation of Inclusive Access and Equitable Access course materials programs are always executed flawlessly, nor will I argue that there are not a handful of individual students who may find their course materials cheaper.

That said, your opinion of Inclusive and Equitable Access is your opinion. There are no combinations of words that I can say that will move you off your opinion or feelings. If you are adamantly opposed to Inclusive and Equitable Access, I accept and support you in your opposition. However, I ask that you allow me to show you the research and the data. I will show you that Female students have had a +4% average increase in success rate or that Non-traditional students have had a +4% increase in success rate with Inclusive Access. I will show you that Black students have an average increase in success rate of 13% and a mean final grade increase of 4 points (going from a C+ to a B-) when using an Inclusive Access program compared to students not using an Inclusive Access program. Allow me to show you that participants of an Equitable Access course materials model, in general, are 15.58% more likely to complete a course than those who opt out of an Equitable Access course materials program. Do not take my word that Inclusive and Equitable Access programs have an incredible impact on student outcomes – but look at the data and decide for yourself.

As always, thanks for being here and I am looking forward to the next time.

– MM