Course Materials Access
Choose the Best Fit for Your Semester!
Course Materials Access is the new UNM Bookstores program designed to provide students with the most convenient and affordable way to get their course materials. With three flexible tiers, students can choose the option that best fits their needs each semester. Explore your choices:

COMPLETE
Automatically enrolled
Students can access all their required course materials for a flat rate of $279 per semester.
Learn more
SELECT
Students can opt to purchase only specific digital or print course materials for their registered courses.
Learn more
OPT-OUT
Students can opt-out entirely of Course Materials Access and purchase their course materials on their own.
Learn more
Complete option:
All Albuquerque campus undergraduate students will automatically be enrolled in the Complete option, ensuring they receive all required digital and physical course materials, including required kits for any program, such as art and architecture, at a fixed price of $279 per semester for the 2025-2026 academic year. The materials will be ready by the first day of the semester.
How do I access my course materials?
All digital course materials will be delivered via the RedShelf platform on Canvas. You’ll have immediate access on the first day of classes through the My Shelf link in Canvas. Print books included in the program will be made available for pick up at the UNM Bookstores.
How will the rate of the Complete option appear on my Bursar’s Statement?
The Complete flat rate will appear as a "Bookstore Charge" on your Bursar’s statement. All charges will be in real time as you register for classes.
What materials are covered by the Complete option rate?
All course materials adopted through the UNM Bookstore that are required for a course are included. Recommended materials and supplies are not covered and must be purchased separately.
What if I take courses at multiple UNM campuses?
If you are enrolled in courses at both the Albuquerque campus and branch campuses, you may incur additional costs for materials from non-participating branch campuses. Students in this situation may choose to opt out of the Complete option to better manage their costs.
Can I get physical copies of the materials?
If you are enrolled in the Complete option and it shows you need physical textbooks through the My Shelf link in Canvas, you can pick them up from the UNM Bookstores when they are available.
Are students who are opted in the Complete option required to return printed textbooks at the end of the semester?
Students may keep any print-format materials they receive.
Will students retain access to digital course materials after a course is over?
Yes, for certain materials. Many of the digital textbooks may be downloaded to a device and read after the term is over. However, digital courseware such as McGraw-Hill Connect or Pearson MyLab are usable only for the semester during which they were originally provided. Unless otherwise noted, access to these materials expires once the term is over, but the bookstore is working with instructors when possible to adopt unlimited duration digital materials.
How do I know if the Complete option is the best option for me?
A price comparison tool will be available through the My Shelf link in Canvas that allows you to compare the Complete option, the Select option, and purchasing materials individually. This will help you make the most cost-effective choice.
How do I opt out of the Complete option or change my participation plan?
You can opt-out through the My Shelf link in Canvas until the opt-out deadline, which will be the last day to drop courses without penalty.
When am I charged for the Complete option?
If you stay opted into the Complete option, you will see the flat-rate charge on your first university bill of the semester. You have until the last day to drop a course without penalty to opt out of the program and the charge would then be reversed. This gives you the maximum amount of time to make choices about your schedule.
Can I use my financial aid to pay for the Complete option?
Yes, you can work with the Bursar's office to apply your financial aid toward this program. However, please note that New Mexico Lottery and Opportunity Scholarships do not cover the cost of course materials.
I opted out but now want to rejoin the Complete Program. Is it possible?
Yes, you can re-enroll in the Complete Program through Canvas, as long as it is before the opt-out deadline.
How do I obtain required textbooks that are not available in digital format?
Physical textbooks can be picked up at the UNM Bookstore. More details on the process will be provided closer to the start of the semester.
I have a disability and need academic accommodation. How does this work?
RedShelf eReader will be available through Canvas and has been built with accessibility in mind and has a help function for accessibility issues. Any needs not met by the eReader can be directed to coursematerialsaccess@unm.edu to determine what further actions need to be taken.
Are both required and optional course materials included in the Complete option?
No, only required materials adopted through the UNM Bookstore are included in the Complete option. Optional materials suggested by your instructor can be special ordered and purchased separately from the UNM Bookstore.
I am waitlisted for a course. How do I get access to the program course materials?
Waitlisted classes will still appear through the My Shelf link in Canvas, giving you access to the materials for those courses during the add/drop with 100% tuition refund period. Access will disappear after that date unless your status is reclassified as “enrolled.”
I am an undergraduate student taking graduate classes. Do I need to pay additionally for the course materials for these classes?
No, students registered as undergraduates will have all required course materials included, regardless of the type of course. This means that materials for graduate-level courses will also be covered alongside your undergraduate courses.
Will course materials still be available at the UNM Bookstore?
Yes, if you're opted into the Complete option, your print textbooks will be available at the bookstore. If you need recommended titles, you can order them for additional costs from the UNM Bookstore. Course Materials will still be at the UNM Bookstore for graduate and professional students.
What if I add/drop a course? How do I get access to my materials?
- When adding a course: The course materials will be made available to you in Canvas. If printed materials are required, you will receive an email with instructions to pick them up at the UNM Bookstore.
- When dropping a course: Digital course materials access will be removed from Canvas, and you will need to return any printed materials provided by the program.
Please note that course enrollment changes may take up to 48 hours to be processed.
What is the difference between Equitable Access and Course Materials Access Complete?
The Complete option of the Course Materials Access program is the UNM branded name for the industry term Equitable Access.
Can I still choose my own course materials?
Yes, faculty retain academic freedom to choose any course materials, including digital or physical copies, Open Educational Resources (OER), or materials from the UNM Bookstore. Only required course materials are included in the Complete Program.
How does the Complete option affect my adoption process?
Faculty should continue to submit course material adoptions through the standard process, but starting Fall 2025, a new tool will be used for gathering adoptions. Notifications and tutorials on the new tool will be provided in late Spring 2025.
Can I still send students links to the publisher or elsewhere to acquire their course materials?
Yes, but not without incurring additional costs for students. We encourage all instructors to work with the UNM Bookstore so that all required course materials, both digital and print, can be provided under the flat-rate program.
What support will be available for students who need help accessing materials with the Complete option?
Students can access the RedShelf platform through Canvas. Additionally, the UNM Bookstore offers support to ensure all students have the necessary access to their materials and students can email coursematerialsaccess@unm.edu with any questions. Faculty can direct students to the UNM Bookstore for assistance.
If I cancel my adoption, will my students still get charged?
The Complete option is a flat-rate, semester-based program that covers all adopted required textbooks for all undergraduate students. This Bookstore charge is not based on individual classes. Therefore, if you decide to cancel an adoption for your class, students will not automatically incur additional charges or receive a refund. If the student opted out of the Complete option and purchased materials for your course through the Select option or on their own, they may be eligible for a refund.
Can I still use OER for my courses?
Yes! This program supports the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) and encourages faculty to use it. The more digital content and OER included in the Complete Program, the lower the cost per semester can be for the student when costs are evaluated annually.
My course doesn’t require textbooks. Why would students in my course benefit from this program?
This program applies to all undergraduate courses. Students enrolled in other courses may find that those courses require additional paid content, making the Complete option beneficial.
How can students access lab manuals and coursepacks?
Custom-created lab manuals and coursepacks will be distributed to participating students through the UNM Bookstore at the start of courses, if the instructor has provided an adoption for these items. This program does not cover materials printed by the UNM Copy Center. Students will receive an email when materials are ready for pickup, or this information can be found through the My Shelf link in Canvas.
If students are opted in, their orders for print materials will be placed automatically. Students who opt out of the Complete option can order lab manuals or coursepacks on their own from the UNM Bookstore website.
Will course materials only be provided in a digital format under this program?
No, faculty can still choose their own course materials and delivery formats, including print.
How do I get a desk copy of my chosen course materials?
As in the past, you can contact your publisher representative directly to request a desk copy of your selected texts.
Digital course materials are not suitable for my course. Will exceptions be made to accommodate print?
Yes, if you prefer print materials, please specify any such requests when submitting your textbook adoptions.
Select option:
Students can opt to purchase only specific digital or print course materials for their registered courses.
How do I access my course materials?
All digital course materials that you decide to get through the UNM Bookstore will be delivered via the RedShelf platform on Canvas. You’ll have immediate access to them on or before the first day of classes through the My Shelf link in Canvas.
How will the Select price appear on my Bursar’s Statement?
The course materials you will purchase through the bookstore will appear as a "Bookstore Charge" on your Bursar’s statement.
Can I get physical copies of the materials?
Optional print upgrades for select courses in the Select option will be available for purchase at additional costs from the UNM Bookstore.
Will I retain access to digital course materials after a course is over?
Yes, for certain materials. Many of the digital textbooks may be downloaded to a device and read after the term is over. However, digital courseware such as McGraw-Hill Connect or Pearson MyLab are usable only for the semester during which they were originally provided. Unless otherwise noted, access to these materials expires once the term is over.
Opt-out:
Students can opt-out entirely of Course Materials Access and purchase their course materials on their own.
How do I opt out of Course Materials Access or change my selected program?
You can opt-out through the My Shelf link in Canvas, until the opt-out deadline (see below).
What is the opt-out deadline?
The opt-out deadlines coincide with the Registrar’s “Last Day to Drop Without a ‘W’ Grade and 100% Tuition Refund” on LoboWeb. For more details, visit the Registrar’s Deadlines.
I opted out but now want to rejoin the Complete option. Is it possible?
Yes, you can re-enroll in the Complete option through Canvas, as long as it is before the opt-out deadline.
Will course materials still be available at the UNM Bookstores?
If you opt out of both the Complete and Select options, you can still special order and purchase print textbooks or eBooks (if available) directly from the UNM Bookstores.
Wanting to learn more?
The UNM Bookstores is committed to connecting with the UNM community to refine, enhance, and raise awareness about the program. Check out our Events Page to learn more and see how you can get involved!
Submit your question here and a member of our team will get back to you.