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Regulations & Policies

Academic Affairs

I. OBJECTIVE & PURPOSE

This regulation establishes textbook and course material adoption, review, and attestation 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 ³ÉÈËAVÊÓƵ Textbook Affordability Program, (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 initiatives 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.

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. 

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.

1. "Course materials" include but are not limited to textbooks, test and assignment questions, assigned and supplemental readings, and any other instructional material the faculty member plans to assign tot students to read and review in the course
2. The attestation shall be completed on a form or within a system designated by the university.
3. If the university is using an adjunct or temporary instructor for a course and has selected the materials for the course, the individual responsible for selecting the materials for the course must complete the attestation.

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. 

C. 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; 
5. Compliance with the required components of the textbook and instructional materials list in II.A.8 above;
6. Attestation that all required materials have been reviewed each semester; and
7.  Any additional information determined by the Chancellor.

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