Learning Unlimited Course Materials Program

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Pilot Program Overview

Lehigh will be piloting a new course materials program called Learning Unlimited for undergraduate students. The program will ensure students have all their materials across all courses prior to the first day of class. This is a three-year pilot program expected to reduce the cost of course materials by saving an average of 35% to 50% off the new price during a student’s academic journey at Lehigh.

Instead of purchasing materials a la carte, the Learning Unlimited course materials program will provide access to all required course materials for full-time undergraduate students before the first day of class for one low flat fee per semester. The program provides the faculty-selected version of all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and digital materials. 

The Lehigh Store (formerly called the LU Bookstore) will provide each student with a convenient rental package for physical books and digital materials will be delivered directly to CourseSite. Lehigh will charge a course material fee for each semester, but unlike other fees, students will be able to opt out of Learning Unlimited by the add/drop date at their sole discretion. 

This program will begin with the Fall 2023 semester. The fees will be:

  • Fall Semester 2023: $375
  • Spring Semester 2024: $375

If you have questions, please contact The Lehigh Store manager, Renee Lutz, at e00421@lehigh.edu or 610-758-3383.

Benefits

  • Full-time undergraduate students receive all course materials before the first day of class. Digital materials are easily available with one-click access inside the CourseSite LMS. Physical materials are available through The Lehigh Store and will be distributed through the Mail Center.
  • One low, predictable flat fee per semester allows students and families to plan ahead and save an average of 35% to 50% off the new price during a student’s academic journey at Lehigh.
  • All undergraduate students pay the same per-semester price, regardless of major or number of  semester credit hours.
  • No shopping around. No book lists to worry about. All materials are included.
  • Students may choose to opt out on a semester basis.
  • Learning Unlimited fees are added to student fee bills and eligible financial aid may be used for payment.

 

How it Works

 

Learning Unlimited FAQ's

What is the Learning Unlimited program?

Learning Unlimited is a flat fee course material model that lowers the cost of materials for full-time undergraduate students and ensures those students have access to all of 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 CourseSite. Costs will be part of tuition and fees for 2023-2024. At the end of the term, students will receive email reminders to return their rented physical course materials to The Lehigh Store.

How does it work?
  • Register for your classes and The Lehigh Store will start preparing your course materials.
  • One month before classes start, you will receive an email instructing you to select your delivery preference (Mail Center pickup or shipped directly to you).
  • 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 CourseSite.
What is included in the program?

The program provides all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes and digital textbook versions to eligible students.

What are the fees for 2023-2024

This program will begin with the Fall 2023 semester. 

  • Fall Semester 2023: $375
  • Spring Semester 2024: $375
What is excluded from the program?

What is excluded from the program? The program does not include consumables that cannot be returned and reused such as lab goggles, dissection kits, molecular model kits, engineering kits or nursing kits.

How do I enroll in the program?

All eligible students will be automatically enrolled in the Learning Unlimited program.

Can I opt-out of the program?

While this program is expected to ease the process of obtaining your required course materials and lower your overall costs, students have the option to opt-out of this program. The opt-out period for each semester is open 30 days prior to the first day of class and ends on the 10th day of class. For the fall semester that is September 8, 2023. Once opted out, you will not receive access to your materials and will be responsible for purchasing all required course materials from The Lehigh Store: www.lehigh.bncollege.com

How do I change my opt-out status?

If you later decide that you would like to participate after you opt out, you may opt back into the program by following the steps in the email confirmation you received after opting out. Please note you must make your final selection by each semester’s add/drop dates.

How do I purchase my course materials if I decide to opt-out of the program?

Students will be responsible for purchasing their required course materials through The Lehigh Store or through another retailer.

When are my textbook rentals due back to The Lehigh Store?

The deadline to return all rental textbooks is the last day of finals. Students will receive email reminders about the rental deadline to their email address.

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?

Students will receive emails and phone calls from The Lehigh Store to remind them to verify their order. If the student does not opt-out, their materials will be held at the Mail Center and their student 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 Mail Center and their student account will be charged.

What if I drop a class?

You may return the book to The Lehigh Store on the same terms and timelines currently in place. If you drop a class and enroll in a different class, The Lehigh Store will “swap” the required textbooks/codes so that you have what you need.

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 go back onto your student account and will require payment.