The Official University of Alabama Supply Store - purchases support UA scholarships and student services!

Course Materials FAQs


Access Granted

Access Granted Materials Questions? Email textbook@ua.edu

Access Granted FAQs

What is Access Granted?
"Access Granted" means your instructor has worked with the Supe Store to grant you special access to course materials at the lowest cost. This is the only option provided by us for this course. You were automatically enrolled in the Access Granted program when you registered for the class. The course content is available on the very first day of class through your Blackboard account. Instructions on how to log in are sent to your Crimson e-mail and may also be provided by your instructor. The cost of the course content plus applicable sales tax will be added to your student account after the add/drop deadline. If you choose not to participate in the Access Granted program, you must opt-out before the add/drop deadline to avoid the course material charge to your student account. You will then need to find the course materials on your own.

How will I know if my course is an Access Granted course?
Access Granted designation is listed on the class schedule, the course syllabus and the Supe Store website. You will also receive an email with information if you are enrolled in an Access Granted course.

How do I pay for the Access Granted course content?
Your student account is charged for course materials plus applicable sales tax after the add/drop deadline.

How do I get my Access Granted course materials after I register for the class?
First, you receive an email notice that you are enrolled in an Access Granted course. Then once your course is open, course materials are accessed through Blackboard.

If I register for an Access Granted course, am I required to use the content provided?
Absolutely not. If you would rather have hard copies of the materials or choose not to use them, you can opt out before the Add/Drop deadline to avoid charges to your student account.

How do I opt out?
It is easy to opt out of Access Granted materials through your course’s Blackboard page. Select Content in the left hand menu then click Opt Out under the materials. Opt out video.

If I opt out of the Access Granted program, where do I get course materials for the class?
Some professors request the Supe Store to stock a small number hard copies of the materials for students who prefer them. Otherwise a third party vendor is necessary.

What if I decide to drop the Access Granted class altogether?
In order to avoid any charges to your student account, you must opt out of the Access Granted program before the final add/drop date of the semester. If you do not opt out, you will be charged for the semester's digital materials.


Course Materials FAQ

How do I pay for my books?
Books and supplies are purchased online or in-store using personal payment methods or using an A/R Charge to an authorized scholarship or grant. Currently, charging course materials to your student account is not available.

How soon can I get my books if I order online?
In-stock course materials, in most cases, are ready to pick up within 2 business hours. You'll receive an email when your order has processed and ready to pick up from the Online Orders counter at the Student Center location of the Supe Store. (From the store entrance, follow the directional signs above you to the back of the store near Course Materials.)

How can I find my books?
On the Supe Store website visit Course Materials>>Buy Course Materials>>Search by Class. Build your course schedule for the term (Department, Course, then Section) - add each course to the list - then choose Get Your Books. You'll see what formats are available, make your selections and can choose store pickup or shipping.

If I place an order online for my code, does it come through e-mail?
Printed Access Codes are physical items that are available for shipping or in-store pick up only (not emailed).

What's the difference between a Clicker Bundle and a Clicker license?
The Clicker Bundle is the polling device itself plus a 5-year license from PointSolutions. The Clicker license is a 1-year access license for use with a mobile app. Check your specific courses for which is required. These are items that are available for purchase in-store, or available for purchase online with a choice of shipping or in-store pickup.

Does the eBook contain the same information as the book?
Yes, eBooks generally contain the same core text and information as their print counterparts.

Can I sell my books back after the semester?
Visit our online buyback partner for more information about your titles at Valore Books.

Where do I find course kits?
Kits are items available for purchase in-store near the Course Materials and Supplies departments in the Student Center location. Kits are also available for purchase online with a choice of shipping or in-store pickup.

Who do I call with questions about my textbooks?
The best route to take is email the Textbook Helpline at textbook@ua.edu. Include details about your course and titles, your name and contact information, and detailed information with your question.


Scholarship FAQs (AR Charges)

Can I buy kits with my scholarship?
After confirming your kits are required on your course syllabus, find out if your scholarship includes coverage for kits, and if there are enough available funds for the purchase. Contact your case manager to verify coverage for required kits.

I have a National Merit Scholarship. Does it cover books?
Unfortunately, incoming Freshmen cannot use their scholarship for course materials. After your incoming Freshmen year, the National Merit Scholarship will cover required course materials.

I didn't use all my book scholarship. Can I get reimbursed?
Contact Student Account Services at 205-348-5350 regarding any reimbursements.

I bought my books on a third-party site instead of using my scholarship at the Supe Store. Can my scholarship reimburse me?
No. Check to see if you can return the book your purchased on the third-party site, then buy the book through the Supply Store to utilize your scholarship for eligible course materials.

I have a question about my book scholarship balance.
Contact Student Account Services at 205-348-5350.

How do I check to see if my schedule is confirmed?
Go to your student account through myBama, click on the student tab and it will be listed in the middle, at the top, under Student Account Services. Once you've confirmed your schedule, allow 24 hours before you come to the Supe Store to use your scholarship.


In-Store Pick-up FAQs

When will my order be ready to pick up?
Orders for store pick-up are available during normal store hours once processed (allow 2 business hours and receipt of order-complete email).

How can I pick up my order?
Orders can be picked up at the Student Center location. A picture ID or ACT card is required for pick up. If someone else is picking up your order, indicate their name in the notes during checkout or email their name to supestore@ua.edu.

How long will you hold my order?
In-Store pick-ups will be held for 30 days from date of order. After that they are considered abandoned and will be shipped to the billing address listed on the order and are non-refundable.