Bobcat Instant Access FAQs

What is Bobcat Instant Access?

The Bobcat Instant Access program (BIA) - in collaboration with top publishers and the Pasco-Hernando State College delivers digital course materials to students at lower than market prices.

Students enrolled in a Bobcat Instant Access course receive their digital course materials, either eBooks or publisher created courseware, on or before the first day of classes. They can opt out before the course drop/add date if they do not want to keep the BIA course digital content; or, if they want to stay in the program, they receive a student account charge for a low custom price that has been negotiated by the PHSC College Store.

Since most students remain opted into the program’s digital materials, our publisher partners are willing to offer significantly lower prices than normal. The Bobcat Instant Access program ensures that every student has access to digital course materials by the first day of class, while also saving them money.

Why PHSC Bobcat Instant Access?

The cost of printed textbooks has increased tremendously over the last 30 years. Due to the decline of textbooks sales and publishers opting to print fewer physical books, the number of used and rental textbooks available for purchase are harder to acquire. As a result, students are sacrificing academic success by not purchasing course materials at all. PHSC Bobcat Instant Access allows The College Store to negotiate pricing with publishers to obtain students great discounts. And because all products are digital, they can be delivered to students on or before the first day of class!

How much does Bobcat Instant Access cost?

Check your student booklist for the price of your Bobcat Instant Access materials. To view pricing for your course(s) participating in the Bobcat Instant Access program, please go to collegestore.phsc.edu, and select “Shop Textbooks” under the “Textbooks” tab. Log in to view your personalized booklist. The Bobcat Instant Access item will display as unavailable, but the price listed is the price that will be charged to your student account for the materials.

How do I buy my PHSC Bobcat Instant Access materials?

You do not have to do anything! If you have registered in a class that has Inclusive Access materials, your student account has already been charged. Just log into Canvas and follow the instructions sent to you by email (and listed in Canvas) to access your materials. See your emails from the PHSC College Store for the opt-out deadline date.

What does “opt out” mean?

The Bobcat Instant Access program at PHSC automatically provides you with your digital content or course materials through a link in Canvas, but it is optional to participate. If you do not want to keep the digital course materials provided through Bobcat Instant Access, you may choose to decline this service (opt out) and purchase your materials in another way. You must opt out by the opt-out deadline listed in our communications with you. Keep in mind that it is rarely possible to find the same materials at a lower price.

How do I opt out?

To opt out, log into RedShelf, go to the My Courses page, and select your course. At the bottom of the page, click the grey “I want to opt out of access to all required materials for this course” button. The Inclusive Access materials charge will be removed from your account within 24-48 business hours. Students can opt out two weeks prior to the first day of each term in the RedShelf portal.

What if I am registering for a course that uses the same book for more than one class?

Students that are registering for a course that uses the same book for more than one class should choose the options that is best for the individual. Financially, it may be more feasible to purchase a standalone access code with a longer duration, which means opting out of the Bobcat Instant Access program could be the best option. For more information, please feel free to contact the College Store.

What if I want to opt back in?

You can opt back in through the RedShelf portal, if you change your mind, if it is prior to the opt-out deadline. If you change your mind after the opt-out deadline, you will need to contact the PHSC College Stores for assistance to be opted back into the Bobcat Instant Access program.

I dropped the course. Will I still be billed?

If you drop the course before the opt-out deadline, you will automatically be opted out, and you will not be billed.

I withdrew (or was withdrawn) from the course. Will I still be billed?

If a withdrawal is processed for a class containing Bobcat Instant Access materials, regardless if the withdrawal is student based, instructor based or administratively based, no refund will be provided.

Who should I contact if I am having trouble accessing the materials?

Instructors can usually help with this issue, so start with the instructor. If the instructor is unable to help, RedShelf (our platform partner) can help by going to their solve page at https://solve.redshelf.com/hc/en-us or emailing them at help@redshelf.com