The Course Materials Access Program (CAP) was created to make getting your course materials easier, more affordable, and more predictable. We want you to feel confident in understanding how it works and how to make the best decision for your education. If your question isn’t answered here, just reach out—we’re happy to help and will keep updating this page with the info you need.
How much will CAP cost?
Estimated $249
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Costs will be finalized before Fall 2025 Registration
We estimate that the most that the Course Materials Access Program will cost our students is $249 per quarter.
How is CAP different from Inclusive Access (IA)?
Comprehensive Access for a Flat Rate
vs
à la carte Course Materials
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CAP provides for ALL required textbook and courseware materials, physical and digital, for a flat rate.
IA provides Canvas integrated access to your required digital and physical materials, just like CAP, but without the flat rate. You're responsible for the individual purchase of each piece of required textbook, courseware, and all other course materials.
You can easily determine which option is right for you by comparing prices directly within Canvas.
Is CAP required? How can I opt out?
CAP is not required for anyone
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You are automatically enrolled in CAP each quarter, but you can easily opt out.
You can manage your Course Materials Access Program or Inclusive Access enrollment inside Canvas. Your enrollment resets each quarter, so make sure to check your settings!
Student FAQs
CAP is a new way for CWU undergraduate students to get all their required course materials—digital or physical—by the first day of class. You’ll be automatically enrolled each quarter, and a flat-rate charge will appear on your student account that covers required textbooks and courseware.
CAP is for every full-time undergraduate student enrolled at Central Washington University.
The estimated cost is $249 per quarter for undergraduate students. This covers required textbooks and courseware, regardless of your major or the number of classes you’re taking. Final costs will be announced before Fall 2025 registration.
Your flat rate covers:
Required physical textbooks
Required digital textbooks and courseware
Required access codes
Required course packs
Your flat rate does NOT cover:
Lab supplies, safety equipment, and apparel
Calculators, art supplies, and kits
Other non-ISBN course materials
Out of print textbooks
Optional or alternative versions of textbooks
Digital materials will be available in Canvas by the first day of class.
Physical materials and access codes can be picked up at the Wildcat Shop or shipped to you (shipping fees apply).
No. CAP is designed to make accessing course materials easier and more affordable—but if you’d rather buy your materials another way, you can opt out.
There are two levels of opt-out:
Opting out of CAP only: If you opt out of CAP but stay in courses that use Inclusive Access (IA) materials, you will still be charged for those digital materials separately. IA offers discounted digital textbooks and courseware directly through Canvas.
Opting out of both CAP and Inclusive Access: If you want to purchase all of your course materials independently, you’ll need to opt out of both CAP and IA. You’ll be responsible for finding and buying your own materials, which may cost more or delay your access.
You must complete your opt-out(s) by the add/drop deadline each quarter. You'll receive an email with instructions and a link to the opt-out portal.
When you register for classes, you’ll be able to see the cost of Inclusive Access (IA) materials directly in Canvas. This lets you compare prices and decide what works best for you. Remember—CAP covers all required ISBN materials for a flat rate, while IA costs vary by course.
You can opt back into CAP before the add/drop deadline if you change your mind. Just return to Canvas and select the CAP option.
No. You are automatically enrolled in CAP each quarter, so if you choose to opt out, it only applies to that specific term. If you want to opt out again in a future quarter, you’ll need to do so before the add/drop deadline. There's no need to opt back in—you're automatically enrolled each quarter until you choose otherwise.
Yes—in a good way. Since CAP charges appear on your student account, they can be covered by financial aid like any other eligible expense.
You will be able to see your required course materials your instructors have submitted in Canvas at least thirty days before class. Course materials submitted by faculty less than 30 days before the start of the quarter will be updated as received. A complete list of required and optional materials will be found in your MyCWU.
Your CAP materials will update automatically in Canvas and MyCWU.
Any physical textbooks that you have picked up for class you're dropping will need to be returned to the Wildcat Shop by the end of Add/Drop to be taken off your account.
If you opt out of a course that has a physical textbook, you must return the textbook by the second Friday of the quarter in new condition. If brought back in any other condition than new you will be charged the replacement price of the book.
Yes, physical books are yours to keep, and digital books are available until the end of the subscription duration.
Physical books included in CAP must be picked up by the second Friday of the quarter. Failure to pick up assigned printed books by the second Friday of class will result in forfeiture and they will be returned to the publisher.
Our team at the Wildcat Shop is happy to help! Reach out to us by emailing textbooks@cwu.edu, calling us at 509-963-1311, or stop by the store and chat with us in person.
Additional Questions?
Our team at the Wildcat Shop is happy to help! Reach out to us by emailing textbooks@cwu.edu, calling us at 509-963-1311, or stop by the store and chat with us in person.
Your education should be about learning—not stressing over textbooks. CAP makes it possible.
