Forum Post
Barnes and Noble has proposed to the Student Book Corporation (SBC) that WSU adopt the “First Day 2.0” program for student acquisition of all course materials (print and electronic). FD 2.0 would replace the current First Day by course program., which serves 5-10% of all WSU courses. Under FD 2.0, all WSU courses would participate, and students pay a flat fee per credit hour (currently ~ $15-$20 per credit hour). They then receive all required course materials (either mailed to them, or picked up at the Bookie). Students may opt out, and a comparison calculation of student costs with and without FD 2.0 is provided. Other programs such as Packback, iClicker, and Perusall would be included in the flat fee.
Barnes and Noble proposes that benefits to the students would be reduced costs for course materials, as well as a convenience factor. SBC and others have discussed that faculty creation and adoption of OER materials may be negatively affected, since students in classes that use OERs would still be subject to the same fee per credit hour, although again, students have may opt out and are provided a comparison calculation.
The SBC feels the decision on whether to adopt this program should rest with the students (both ASWSU and GPSA). The earliest timeline for adoption is likely Fall ’26. SBC also feels this issue should be brought to the attention of the Faculty Senate, hence this posting. As a faculty advisor to SBC, I’m happy to answer any questions.
Response
The Faculty Senate Executive Officers have been notified of this forum post and will respond back once more information becomes available.
Comments
In responding to this post it would be helpful to understand who the decision is being made by (is it a person or committee) and if this is a campus or system level issue. Thank you for providing more information.
Who makes the decision is a point of discussion right now, without a clear answer. SBC could make the decision, but we would prefer that it’s left up to the students, perhaps in a general student vote sponsored by ASWSU and GPSA. Maybe Faculty Senate could make the decision, but we want students to feel like they are in control of this.
Barnes and Noble appears to be flexible on whether this is a system-wide adoption or by campus.
Are all textbooks included in this new access? I currently use textbooks (stukent) that do not fall under the current first day. Would professors be required to switch textbooks? Along with that currently, I can only use First Day with one material i.e. if I use packback and a textbook for a course, I can only have the textbook under first day. I understand the cost savings but I’m concerned it would add workload to faculty and limit the textbooks we can use.
Yes, all textbooks would be included, regardless of whether they fall under the current First Day program. Professors would not be required to switch textbooks. Under FD 2.0, there is no limit to the number of textbooks a professor could assign. It should not add workload to faculty or limit the textbooks you can use. A professor could have a textbook, packback, or any other ancillary resource included.