What is the SMU Books+ program?
SMU Books+ is a course material delivery model that simplifies the student experience, lowers the cost of materials, and ensures students have access to all required course materials on or before the first day of class. Through this program, physical books are conveniently packaged and provided to students on a rental basis with access to digital materials through the Canvas LMS. The cost of the program is included in student tuition, so there are no additional out-of-pocket costs. At the end of the term, students will receive email reminders to return rented physical course materials to the bookstore.
Who is eligible to participate?
All registered SMU students are eligible to participate. Students enrolled in prelicensure nursing programs which use the Elsevier 360 platform for their course materials are exempt from the SMU Books+.
What materials are included in the program?
The program provides all required textbooks, eTextbooks, lab manuals, and access codes to eligible students.
If students get the same digital rentals for multiple semesters, will it save their e-notes?
Unfortunately no, so please plan for this by telling students to take notes physically or on their computers.
Classes often assign reading due before the start of class. How can SMU Books+ accommodate that?
For physical items, we start shipping/fulfilling pickup orders as soon as students select their materials when the selection window opens 30 days before the start of classes. Encourage your students to make their shipping/pick up selections early! For digital items, their digital materials will actually appear in Canvas up to 30 days before the start of class as soon as the school/professor opens Canvas for the course - so materials will be available in Canvas depending on when SMU publishes Canvas courses for students.
What materials are excluded from the program?
The program does not include consumable course supplies that cannot be returned and reused e.g. stethoscopes and nursing kits.
Do I get to choose the format of my course materials?
Your faculty will choose the format (print copy or digital textbook) for each of the materials required for your class. If your preferred format is not the one that is provided, you can rent or purchase the format you would like from the bookstore.
How do I enroll in the program?
All eligible students will be automatically enrolled in the SMU Books+ program.
Can I opt-out of the program?
No. Students cannot opt-out of the program.
When are my textbook rentals due back to the bookstore?
The deadline to return all rental textbooks is the last day of final exams for the semester. Students will receive reminders ahead of the rental deadline to their SMU email address.
Can I buy my rented textbook?
Yes, the program provides you with the option to purchase any rental textbooks at a reduced rate during the semester.
Do I need to return books if they are for a continuation course?
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.
What happens if I never verify my order?
Students will receive email notifications from the Campus Store reminding them to verify their order and choose their fulfillment preference.
What if I drop a class?
If course materials have been picked up or delivered for the dropped class, those materials should be returned to the bookstore within 48 hours. If you drop a class and enroll in a different class, the Campus Store will exchange the required course materials so that you have what you need.
