Bear Essentials - Textbook & Course Materials Program
Our First Day Complete program makes getting your course materials more convenient and affordable.
- Receive all your course materials before the first day of class
- Save 35-50% on the cost of course materials each term
- Benefit from a highly personalized service
How it Works
REGISTER FOR CLASSES
Upon registering for courses, you will be automatically enrolled into the program.
VERIFY YOUR ORDER
Starting 30 days before the first day of classes, you will receive an email to verify your order and select your fulfillment preference.
RECEIVE YOUR TEXTBOOKS
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 Canvas.
What is the Bear Essentials Program?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Bear Essentials program?
The program provides all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and digital materials to eligible students.
What is excluded in the Bear Essentials program?
The program DOES NOT include consumables that cannot be returned and reused such as lab goggles, dissection kits, nursing kits, etc.
How do I enroll in Bear Essentials?
All eligible students will be automatically enrolled in the Bear Essentials program.
How do I purchase my materials if I decide to opt-out of the program?
Students will be responsible for purchasing their required course materials through the bookstore. In addition, students taking online courses will be required to pay an identity verification/proctoring fee (which varies by proctoring service, assessment length, and method of purchase) for proctored assessments through the bookstore (access codes) or directly to the identity verification/proctoring service.
When are my textbook rentals due back to the bookstore?
The deadline to return all rental textbooks is the last day of finals for the semester. Students will receive email reminders ahead of the rental deadline.
Can I buy my rented textbook?
Yes, the program provides you with the option to purchase textbooks at a reduced rate during the return period.
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?
A student will receive emails and phone calls from the bookstore to remind them to verify their order. If the student does not opt-out, rental materials will be held at the bookstore, digital materials will be accessible within Canvas, and the student’s account will be charged.
If I never pick up my books, will I still get charged?
Yes, if the student does not opt-out, their materials will be held at the bookstore, and their student account will be charged.
What if I drop a class?
If you have already received your materials, you may simply return the book to the bookstore within 48 hours. If you drop a class and enroll in a different class, the bookstore will “swap” the required textbooks or access codes to ensure that you have what you need for your current course schedule.
Can I opt-out if I picked up my textbooks?
Yes, you will have 48 hours to return your textbooks. If you do not return the textbooks, the charges for the bundle will remain on your student account.
What is Bear Essentials?
Also known as First Day Complete, this program is a course material model that lowers the cost of materials for students and ensures students have access to all their required course materials on or before the first day of class. Through this new program, physical books will be conveniently packaged and provided to students on a rental basis, and digital materials will be delivered directly within the Canvas. The cost is $27 per credit hour, which will be applied automatically to students’ accounts as they enroll. At the end of the term, students will receive email reminders to return their physical course materials to the bookstore.
Can I opt-out of the program?
While Bear Essentials provides convenient and affordable access to all required course materials, students have the option to opt-out of this program for every class each semester. Students who opt-out will need to obtain their required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and digital materials. Required materials can be viewed on the bookstore website. PLEASE NOTE: Students are automatically enrolled in the program each semester, so students wishing to opt out of the program will need to do so each semester.
How do I change my opt-out status?
You must click the below link. PLEASE NOTE: You must make your final selection for the Fall 2026 between August 1, 2026 - August 21, 2026.