NC State Introduces Course Ready, an Accessible Course Materials Program

NC State has begun its transition to Course Ready, a new academic materials program designed to provide all degree-seeking undergraduate students the option to access their course materials on the first day of class for one low price. Wolfpack Outfitters is leading the effort to collaborate with faculty and staff ahead of the program’s launch for the spring 2025 semester.

Course Ready is one way the university is addressing the growing concerns around affordability and accessibility for members of the Wolfpack. The program’s flat-rate, digital-first, day-1 delivery will allow NC State undergraduates and their families to better budget increasing and unpredictable costs associated with course materials.

“Course Ready is a transformative initiative for students like me,” said Allison Markert, NC State student body president. “Balancing coursework, extracurricular commitments and employment, the instant access to course materials — without the financial and logistical stress — is a significant weight lifted off my shoulders. I am appreciative of initiatives like this that prioritize accessibility and affordability in education.”

The instant access to course materials — without the financial and logistical stress — is a significant weight lifted off my shoulders.

A more comprehensive counterpart to NC State’s current “All-In” course materials program, this model aims to improve the affordability, accessibility, convenience and sustainability of course materials by setting one predictable cost for students while supporting faculty academic freedom in their choice of instructional materials. Students will also have the option to opt out of the program and secure course materials through other means. 

“The process of adopting course materials remains unchanged,” explained Jeff Halliburton, senior director for auxiliary services for Campus Enterprises. “Open Education Resources, faculty-developed materials and library-licensed materials can all be seamlessly integrated and encouraged within the program.”

The new model was an outcome of the Course Materials Transition Group, which met in fall 2023 and spring 2024 to explore academic material program options. A cross-functional implementation team, led by Wolfpack Outfitters and consisting of students, faculty members and other university representatives, will develop the most effective ways to implement this program at NC State.

An informational website has been created and will be updated with additional details about the transition throughout the summer and fall semesters.