What Access Really Means to Students: A Texas A&M International University Student’s Perspective
How Texas A&M International University’s Access program helps students start each semester prepared, with greater convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind.
For college students, a new semester brings new classes, new schedules, and plenty of responsibilities. Finding and purchasing textbooks shouldn’t add to that list.
At Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), a partnership with Follett Higher Education is helping simplify that process through a Total Access program that provides students with required course materials from day one. Since launching in Fall 2021, the program has served more than 21,000 students and generated $22.4 million in course material savings, helping make academic resources more accessible and affordable.
For students like David Sosa, TAMIU’s Student Body President, the program’s benefits extend beyond cost savings. Having course materials readily available lets him spend less time tracking them down and more time focusing on his education and leadership responsibilities.
More Time to Focus on What Matters
A junior double majoring in Political Science and Psychology, Sosa balances a demanding academic schedule with his responsibilities as Student Body President. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a dual law and master’s degree, with aspirations of opening a law firm in his hometown of Laredo or pursuing a career in public service in Washington, D.C.
Having participated in TAMIU’s Access program since his freshman year, Sosa appreciates the convenience of knowing his required course materials will be available when classes begin.
“Knowing that my textbooks are already available is one less thing I have to worry about,” Sosa said. “I can just focus on my classes without having to worry about falling behind from the very beginning of the semester.”
Through the program, students can access digital course materials directly in Blackboard, the campus’s Learning Management System (LMS), while physical materials are available at the campus bookstore. Course material costs are charged to students’ accounts, allowing eligible financial aid to be applied toward those expenses and potentially reducing the need for additional out-of-pocket purchases at the start of the semester.
Flexibility That Puts Students First
At TAMIU, where about 85% of students use financial aid, simplifying access to course materials is especially important. The Access program provides a consistent experience for undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring they have the resources they need without multiple purchases or waiting for materials to arrive.
For Sosa, having course materials included in his student account is another important benefit.
“Having the cost charged to my student account and covered through financial aid means I don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket at the beginning of the semester,” he said.
As Student Body President, Sosa also recognizes that students have different financial circumstances and priorities. Through conversations with his peers, he’s gained insight into the challenges students face when paying for required academic resources. While the program has worked well for him, he believes flexibility to opt out is important.
“Every student has different needs and financial situations,” Sosa said. “Giving students the option to participate or opt out allows them to decide what works best for them, especially when it comes to their finances.”
That flexibility is a key part of TAMIU’s approach, helping students benefit from a streamlined course material experience while retaining the ability to make choices based on their individual circumstances.
A Stronger Start to Every Semester
Through his involvement with the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, Sosa connects with student leaders across the Texas A&M University System, gaining perspective on the different challenges students face at other institutions. Those conversations have reinforced his appreciation for a program that simplifies access to required materials and helps students begin the semester prepared.
For Follett and TAMIU, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving the student experience by addressing a practical but important part of academic preparation.
And for Sosa, that support means more time and energy to dedicate to his studies, leadership responsibilities, and future ambitions. When students have what they need from day one, they spend less time navigating the logistics of getting ready for class and more time focusing on their academic goals.
Learn more about how Follett Access programs help colleges and universities simplify course material access and support student success.