Q. What is the Higher Education Opportunity Act, specifically the textbook provisions?

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008 requires all instructors to provide textbook and course material costs associated with each course as part of the registration process. Providing your students with information about your course materials is essential to help them prepare for the expected cost of their education. To ensure compliance and better inform your students, please submit course material orders and options to the bookstore before registration each term.

Q: What is the main objective of the HEOA textbook provisions?

A: The primary goal of Section 133 of the HEOA (20 U.S.C. 1015b) is to lower course material costs for postsecondary students by providing maximum pricing transparency prior to registration, allowing students sufficient time to shop around, budget, or utilize cost-saving alternatives like book rentals, used textbooks, and Open Educational Resources (OER).

Q: If my students have no materials to purchase because I am adopting Open Educational Resources, using other zero-cost course materials such as library e-books, or perhaps no textbooks at all, do I still need to submit information to the bookstore?

A: Yes. The form can include all the information on these no-cost options during the registration process to let your students know that you are providing course materials at no cost to them. 

Q: I prefer to offer my students a choice of vendors for purchasing their materials. Do I still need to submit information to the bookstore?

A: Yes. Please be aware that some students must purchase their books through the bookstore, and others prefer to do so for other reasons. Many students will still have a choice of vendors, but your submission will provide an upper limit for cost of materials at registration.

Q: What if I haven’t yet decided on textbooks or materials at this point?

A: If you are still undecided, it is strongly recommended that you submit your materials to the bookstore as soon as they are selected.

Q: What if I miss the deadline?

A: Faculty may submit course materials after the deadline and are strongly encouraged to do so.

Q: Does HEOA address bundled course materials?

A: Yes. Publishers are required to sell bundle components (such as textbooks paired with access codes or workbooks) individually so students are not forced to buy unwanted materials. Note on Integrated Textbooks: Materials physically or contractually bound to third-party content (where separating them renders the core text unusable) are exempt from the unbundling requirement.