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SMU Textbook Program

What is the SMU Textbook program?

SMU Textbook program

The SMU Textbook Program is a rental program that gives you access to all your course materials, no need to shop around! You'll receive all your materials, physical books and digital materials, before the first day of class.

On average, you'll save 30-50% on the cost of the course materials each semester. At the end of the semester, you simply return your books to the bookstore or you have the option to buy to own.

What course materials will you need? Search for your classes via Self-Service. Once you register, the bookstore will start preparing your course materials.

Self-Service

Program FAQs

All degree-seeking students, undergraduate and graduate, will automatically be enrolled in the program. Currently, this does not include any students in non-degree seeking programs such as WAVets2Tech or the ESL program. Students will have the option to "opt-out" of the program. See the section below on this. 

Once you register for your classes via Self-Service, the bookstore will start preparing your course materials. One month before classes start, you will receive an email instructing you to select your delivery preference (e.g., in-store pickup or shipped directly to you). An email notification will be sent when your order is ready for pickup or when it ships. Your digital materials will be delivered for your course(s) within Self-Service.

All eligible students (see above, i.e., degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students) will be automatically enrolled in the SMU Textbook Program. If you are enrolled as a seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree you do not need to do anything further.

Yes. While it is NOT recommended, students have the option to opt-out of this program and purchase their course materials at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore or alternative sources. The SMU Textbook Program provides you with your required course materials for one low price with an average savings of 35% - 50%.  The opt-out period begins 10 days prior to the start of the semester and closes on the last day to drop.  To begin the opt-out process, start here: https://sso.bncollege.com/bes-sp/bessso/saml/stmartinedu/fdcopt/logon.

If you change a course or drop a class, you may return the books to the bookstore on the same terms and timelines currently in place. If you drop a class and enroll in a different class, the bookstore will “swap” the required textbooks/codes so that you have what you need.

Costs and payment

The program cost, based on a student's courseload, will be $23.75 per credit per semester.

Here's a quick table for reference:

No. of credits Total cost per semester
12 credits $285.00
13 credits $308.75
14 credits $332.50
15 credits $356.25

Costs for the textbook program will be added to your semester student account and will appear listed as "SMU Textbook Program". Payment is to be made along with your other tuition and fees.

Materials

The program provides all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes and digital textbook versions to eligible students.

Yes, the program provides you with the option to purchase textbooks at a reduced rate during the return period.

Yes, you will still be required to return continuation course textbooks. You will be issued the same title for the next semester of the continuation course.

The deadline to return all rental textbooks is the last day of finals. Students will receive email reminders about the rental deadline to their email address.

Questions about the program?

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success is a hub for academic support and guidance. Peer tutors, Academic Advisors, and Disability Support Services team members are here to assist you.