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Day1Access Program--FAQs


What is Day1Access?

Day1Access provides digital course materials through Canvas at a discounted price, selected by your instructor. Access begins on the first day of class, and you can opt out during the add/drop period.  The Illini Union Bookstore ensures the lowest possible cost, even lower than buying directly from the publisher. 

 Here's a short video about the program.


How It Works

For Faculty

  • Work with the Illini Union Bookstore and publishers to select materials
  • Set up content in Canvas.
  • Students are notified via Course Explorer and the bookstore website.
  • Students access their materials on Day 1.

    • Interested in joining?
      Please email the Day1Access team.


      For Students

    • Courses using Day1Access are labeled in Course Explorer with pricing info.
    • Materials through Canvas on the first day.
    • You can opt out before the add/drop deadline.
    • Charges are applied to your student account approximately ten days before the semester starts and adjusted for add/drops.

      • Summer and Fall 2025

      See the courses being offered in Summer and Fall 2025.

      How Do I Get My Required Course Materials Through the Day1Access Program?

      Your required digital course materials are delivered through Canvas. Access begins the first day of class. If you are concerned about access, please email your instructor.
      If you have accessibility needs, please contact the DRES office at dres-accessible-media@illinois.edu.

    How Much Does Day1Access Cost?

    Potential 40%-60% savings off a printed new textbook.

    Check out the savings

    .

    What Does It Mean to Opt-Out?

    If you do not wish to purchase the required course materials through the Day1Access program, you have until the add/drop day to opt-out. If you opt-out by the deadline, access to the online content will be turned off and the cost will be credited to your student account. If you opt out and change your mind, you can opt back in. Please check with your professor/instructor to make sure your homework is not required through the digital content.

    What are the Opt-Out Deadlines?

    Spring 2025 (Term A and 16-week)

    Opt-Out Date- February 2, 2026

    Spring 2025 (Term B)

    Opt-Out Date- March 30, 2026

    How Do I Opt-Out?

    Day1Access required materials are at the lowest cost possible. If you opt-out, you will be responsible to locate and purchase the materials on your own, possibly paying a higher cost. However, if you choose to opt-out, easily follow these steps before your course's add/drop deadline: Click the RedShelf tool in Canvas Navigate to MyShelf in the main menu. Navigate to My Courses. Click on any course and view the blue banner for your opting status. Follow the instructions on the box that pops up to complete the opt-out process

    I Dropped the Course. Do I Still Need to Opt-Out?

    No. Students who drop the course before the add/drop deadline automatically are "opted-out." There are no refunds for students who drop after the add/drop deadline.

    I Forgot to Opt-Out and Missed the Deadline. Can I Still Get a Refund?

    Once the cost of the required course materials has been applied to your student account, there are no refunds.

    I Opted Out by Mistake and Realized That I Still Need My Access. Can I Opt Back In?

    Yes, if it's before the add/drop deadline. To opt-in, login with your NetID, proceed to your Canvas. Click on the opt-in toggle button underneath your course material. You can opt-in and out as many times as you want before the deadline.

    What happens if I add a class after my Financial Aid has been applied to my account?

    You will be responsible for paying any Day1Acess charges that are added to your student account after your financial aid has credited to your account. Failure to pay these charges by the due date may result in a financial hold being added to your student account.

    I Didn't Get an Email About My Course, But Other Students in My Class Did. Was I Sent an Email?

    The Day1Access team will notify all students enrolled in the program by email to their official university email address. If it is not in a spam folder or was accidentally deleted, email the Bookstorefor access instructions. Email notifications will go out to students twice during the add/drop period, once at the beginning and shortly before the end of the add/drop period.

    How Do I Pay for My Access?

    The access to your course material will be charged to your student account when tuition and fees are assessed, approximately 10 days before the start of each semester. If you chose to opt out before the add/drop date, the charge will be removed from your account.  The cost of the required digital content for Day1Access will appear on your student account as Day1Access Charge."

    How can I request Accessible Course Materials?

    If you have accessibility needs, please contact the DRES office at dres-accessible-media@illinois.edu