What is CTAP?

The Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP) is a program that provides access to all required course materials for undergraduate students before the first day of class for one low, flat fee per semester.

What’s included in CTAP?

CTAP course materials will be prioritized for digital content first. Where digital content is not available, physical materials will be provided. Clicker subscriptions are also included.

When does the expanded CTAP program begin?

The expanded CTAP program is effective with the Fall 2023 semester.

Why is UH expanding CTAP?

The course by course model first introduced to UH proved to be extremely popular with both students and faculty. In fact, in surveys conducted of participating CTAP students, 85% indicated they wanted the University to offer all classes as part of CTAP, citing convenience, timely access, and less stress as benefits of the program.

How do I know if I’m eligible for CTAP course?

All undergraduate students will automatically be opted into CTAP upon registration; no separate action is required. Graduate programs are not part of CTAP at this time.

How much is the CTAP fee?

Undergraduate students will be charged $299 for each Fall and Spring semester; and $180 for Summer semesters. CTAP fees are added to your student fee bill as a “learning material course fee,” and financial aid and scholarships may be applied. You may opt out of CTAP on a semester by semester basis.

Can I use financial aid to pay for CTAP fees?

If you have been awarded financial aid and your award surpasses the cost of tuition and fees, the CTAP cost can be covered by the aid you have already been awarded.

Are graduate students eligible for CTAP?

The University will monitor graduate courses for possible future expansion.

How do I contact someone if I have questions?

Please email ctapuh@central.uh.edu or call (832) 842-9053.

OPTING IN AND OUT

How do I opt in to CTAP?

All undergraduate students are automatically opted in to CTAP upon registering for classes.

Can I opt out of CTAP?

Yes, you may opt out of CTAP on a semester by semester basis. Please note if that if you opt out of CTAP, you will be responsible for procuring course materials on your own.

How do I opt out?

Access your student account and click on the “Student Financials” tab. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “CTAP Opt Out.”

If I choose to opt out of CTAP, will I be refunded the fee?

As long as you opt out of CTAP by the Official Reporting Day (ORD) deadline as reflected in the academic calendar, your student fee bill will be adjusted for any related CTAP fees. ORD dates vary per term.

When will the opt out window open?

The opt out window will open two weeks prior to the first day of class for each term.

What is the last day to opt out?

The last day to opt out of the CTAP fee is in alignment with ORD, or Official Reporting Day, as reflected in the academic calendar. ORD dates vary per term.

Please note that if you opt out of CTAP, you will be responsible for procuring course materials on your own.

If I withdraw from the University, will I be refunded the CTAP fee?

The eligibility for adjustments to student fee bills for students who withdraw are subject to the University’s policies. Please click here to see more information on the refunds schedule.

I opted out but changed my mind and wanted to opt back in. Can I?

Yes, you may opt back in any time up through the Official Reporting Day (ORD) deadline for a specific term as reflected in the academic calendar. You may opt back in the same way you opted out by accessing your student account and clicking on the “Student Financials” tab. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “CTAP Opt Out,” and then click on “opt in.”

How do I opt back in?

You may opt back in the same way you opted out by accessing your student account and clicking on the “Student Financials” tab. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “CTAP Opt Out,” and then click on “opt in.”

Are part-time students included in CTAP?

Yes, all undergraduate students, both full time and part time, are included in CTAP.

DIGITAL COURSE MATERIALS

How do I access the digital course materials?

Digital course materials will be available to students in Canvas, the Learning Management System for the University.

Will I have access to the digital materials in my CTAP course after the semester is finished?

Digital materials are available through the entire semester.

Can I get a printed copy of digital materials?

Digital formatted materials help keep the price of CTAP affordable. However, printed loose-leaf materials may be available upon request on a case by case basis for an additional fee. Please contact the Campus Store at ctapuh@central.uh.edu .

If I register as an undergraduate student after the semester has already started, when can I expect to have access to the digital materials?

Within 24 hours of registration.

PHYSICAL COURSE MATERIALS

Are there physical course materials included in CTAP?

Most course materials will be in digital format; however, some classes may have physical course materials as part of CTAP.

When and how will I know my physical course materials are available?

You will receive an email from Your UH Campus Store when your items are available; typically, one week before the first day of class.

What if I need my physical course materials shipped?

Physical materials may be shipped to you at a nominal fee.

If I either opt out of CTAP, or drop a course after I have received physical course materials, what do I do with them?

If you opt out of CTAP or drop a course after you have received physical course materials, you must return the physical course materials to Your UH Campus Store.

Do I need to return physical course materials at the end of the semester?

No. Physical course materials are yours to keep in the CTAP program.

Can I sell my physical course materials during buyback?

Yes, physical course materials are eligible for buyback from Your UH Campus Store.

If I already received physical course materials but later opted out of CTAP, dropped a course, or withdrew from the University; what happens if I don’t return the physical course materials to my UH Campus Store?

If you have physical course materials that need to be returned to Your UH Campus Store because you opted out, dropped a course, or withdrew from the University, and you do not return the materials to Your UH Campus Store by the appropriate deadline, the CTAP fee will be charged in full to your student account.

How long do I have to pick up physical course materials?

Students should make every effort to pick up physical course materials no later than two weeks into a semester.

Are lab materials such as goggles, science kits and art kits included in the CTAP fee?

No. Only digital and print course materials and clickers are included in the CTAP fee.

FACULTY FAQs

Will CTAP affect my academic freedom to choose my own materials?

No. CTAP was built with the intent to ensure academic freedom remains intact. You will be able to use the same materials you do now, although you will need to be using the most recent edition available.

How soon do I need to submit my course material adoptions to the UH Campus Store?

Course material adoption deadlines will remain the same:

     Summer Deadline: March 15th

     Fall Deadline: April 15th

     Spring Deadline: October 15th

What if I would like to utilize physical desk copies of the course materials I teach?

The UH Campus Store will help faculty obtain instructor desk copies of current editions as needed.

How will ancillary materials be delivered to faculty?

Ancillary materials such as PowerPoints, quizzes, test banks, and solutions will be delivered in the same manner as they are now.

Where will I be able to access the digital learning materials I am teaching?

Digital materials will be available through the Canvas Learning Management System.

I have never used digital learning materials before. Will I receive training?

Yes, publishers will provide training opportunities for faculty to ensure you are comfortable working with your digital learning materials.

Will CTAP have an impact on my students’ learning experience?

Yes! Students will receive course materials before the first day of class, which means they are prepared for learning on day one.

Do you have suggested language for CTAP that faculty may use on their syllabi?

Below is a template that you may want to consider using for your syllabi. Feel free to customize the message for your particular course.

Undergraduate students enrolled in this course have been automatically opted into the Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP). CTAP provides undergraduate students access to all your required course materials before the first day of class, for one low, flat fee. Digital materials are available through Canvas, our Learning Management System (LMS). If there are physical materials assigned in this course, Your UH Campus Store will email you when they are ready to be picked up. You may choose to opt out of the CTAP fee through your student account; however, if you opt out, you will need to procure the course materials for all your classes on your own. Please visit the CTAP website for more detailed information or email ctapuh@central.uh.edu.