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Regulations & Policies

Academic Affairs

I. OBJECTIVE & PURPOSE

This regulation establishes textbook adoption procedures with the intent to minimize the cost of textbooks for students while maintaining the quality of education and academic freedom. This regulation is promulgated pursuant to Florida Board of Governors Regulation 8.003.

Nothing in this regulation shall be construed to supersede the institutional autonomy or academic freedom of instructors involved in the selection of college textbooks, supplemental materials, and other classroom materials.

II. STATEMENT OF REGULATION

1. The Board of Trustees adopts this regulation in support of the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Textbook Affordability Progra, (the Program)  to minimize the cost of required or recommended textbooks and instructional materials for students while maintaining the quality of education and academic freedom. Activities and innitiatives in support of the Program include:
   1.  Selection of textbooks and instructional materials through cost-benefit analyses that enable students to obtain the highest-quality product at the lowest available price, by considering:
      1.  Purchasing digital textbooks in bulk;
      2.  Expanding the use of open-access textbooks and instructional materials;
      3.  Providing rental options for textbooks and instructional materials;
      4.  Increasing the availability and use of affordable digital textbooks and learning objects;
      5. Developing mechanisms to assist in buying, renting, selling, and sharing textbooks and instructional materials;
      6. The length of time that textbooks and instructional materials remain in use;
      7.  An evaluation of cost savings for textbooks and instructional materials which a student may realize if individual students are able to exercise opt-in or opt-out provisions for the purchase of the materials.
   2. The use of innovative pricing techniques and payment options for textbooks and instructional materials in consultation with providers including bookstores. The pricing techniques and payment options must include an opt-in or opt-out provision for students and may be approved only if there is documented evidence that the options reduce the cost of the textbooks and instructional materials.
   3. Published deadlines established by the Provost/designee for
      1. the selection of textbooks and instructional materials each term, and
      2. the posting of a hyperlink listing required and recommended textbooks.
         1. the posted list shall include the following information for each required and recommended textbook and instructional materials: 
            1. the International Standard Book Number (ISBN); or
            2. other identifying information which shall include, at a minimum: 
               1. the title, 
               2. all authors listed, 
               3. publisher
               4. edition number 
               5. copyright date, 
               6. published date, and
               7. other relevant information necessary to identify the specific textbook or instructional material required and recommended for each course. 
      3. Any request for an exception to a deadline shall be submitted tp the Provost/designee and shall include a statement regarding the exceptional circumstances giving rise to the request. 
   4.  A procedure to document the intent of the course instructor or the 
      academic department offering the course to use all items ordered, including each individual item sold as part of a bundled package, before the selection is finalized.
   5.  A determination by the course instructor or academic department offering the course, before a textbook or instructional material is selected, of the extent to which a new edition differs significantly and substantively from earlier versions and the value to the student of changing to a new edition or the extent to which an open-access textbook or instructional material is available.
   6.  A procedure to make required and recommended textbooks and instructional materials for each course offering available to students who otherwise cannot afford the cost of the textbook including consideration of the extent to which an open-access textbook or instructional material may be used.
   7.  A procedure by which students can obtain required textbooks and instructional materials prior to receipt of their financial aid distribution, when necessary.
   8.  A deadline for posting a hyperlink to lists of required and recommended textbooks and instructional materials for at least 95 percent of all courses and course sections offered for the upcoming term in the university’s course registration system and on the university’s website. The designated university official shall determine compliance with this requirement no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the first day of classes for each term. Any request for an exception to the compliance deadline shall be submitted in writing to the designated university official and shall provide a reasonable justification for an exception. A course or section added after the notification deadline is exempt from this notification requirement. The posted list shall include the following information for each required and recommended textbook and instructional materials:
      1. the International Standard Book Number (ISBN); or
      2. other identifying information which shall include, at a minimum:
         
         1.  the title, 
         2. all authors listed,
         3. publisher,
         4.  edition number,
         5.  copyright date,
         6.  published date, and
         7.  other relevant information necessary to identify the specific textbook or instructional materials required and recommended for each course.
         8.  Consultation with school districts to identify practices that impact the cost of dual enrollment textbooks and instructional materials to school districts, including, but not limited to, the length of time that textbooks and instructional materials remain in use.
2. No employee of a state university may demand or receive any payment, loan, subscription, advance, deposit of money, service, or anything of value, present or promised, in exchange for requiring students to purchase a specific textbook or instructional materials for coursework or instruction. However, an employee may receive, subject to the requirements of the Florida Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees and the outside activity and conflict of interest requirements set forth in university regulations and collective bargaining agreements: 
   1.  Sample copies, instructor copies, or instructional materials. These materials may not be sold for any type of compensation if they are specifically marked as free samples, not for resale. 
   2. Royalties or other compensation from sales of textbooks or instructional materials that include the instructor’s own writing or work.
   3.  Honoraria for academic peer review of course materials.
   4.  Fees associated with activities such as reviewing, critiquing, or preparing support materials for textbooks or instructional materials.
   5.  Training in the use of course materials and learning technologies. 
3. By September 30 of each year, the President, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, shall provide the Chancellor of the State University System, in a format determined by the Chancellor a report that details: 
   
   1.  The selection process for high enrollment courses;
   2. Specific initiatives of the institution designed to reduce the costs of textbooks and instructional materials;
   3.  Policies implemented regarding the posting of textbook and instructional materials for at least 95% of all courses and course sections 45 days before the first day of class;
   4. The number of courses and course sections that were not able to meet the posting deadline for the previous academic year; and
   5.  Any additional information determined by the Chancellor.

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