Pilot of Gator Textbook Access Program a Success!
By Marie Jacinto
What would it mean for students if they could get their course materials delivered to them digitally before classes even start? This fall semester, 591 UHD students discovered the answer to that question when UHD piloted the Gator Textbook Access Program (GTAP).
UHD Auxiliary Services partnered with Follett, operator of the UHD Campus Store, to offer UHD students a convenient alternative to purchasing new retail books for their classes. The digital rental program allowed students to access course materials on or before the first day of class at significant savings. On average, students saved almost 60% as compared to purchasing textbooks—that’s about $130 per student. Overall cost savings through the pilot program were $76,944.
Twelve courses were included for fall 2023, and plans are underway to grow the program.
“We are very pleased with the results of the GTAP pilot program and are working with the UHD Campus Store to expand the program in spring 2024,” said Bob Browand, Director of Auxiliary Services.
Students should be on the lookout for participating GTAP classes when they register for spring 2024 classes. They will be automatically opted into the program, making the start of the spring semester that much easier!
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
