Implementing a course fee model can involve a number of key stakeholders, each playing a critical role in the decision-making and implementation process:

Faculty: Faculty members are often the first point of contact in the sales process. They can provide insight into the specific needs and constraints of the course and the students. Their buy-in is crucial as they are the ones who will be directly using the kit in their courses.

Department Heads or Academic Deans: These individuals usually have authority over course structure and material selection. They can champion the initiative within the institution and help secure approval from higher administration.

Institution's Administration: This includes individuals in roles like the Provost or Vice President of Academic Affairs. They are typically involved in the final approval of course fee changes and can provide guidance on institutional policies and procedures.

Bookstore Managers: Since bookstores often handle distribution of course materials, their cooperation is crucial. They will need to understand the process, benefits, and logistics of selling the lab kits.

Financial Aid Officers: As the course fee model can often be covered by financial aid, these individuals can provide necessary insights and approvals. They will also be crucial in communication efforts to inform students about this option.

SI AE's, AM's & Support Team: The reps are responsible for initiating discussions, coordinating with different stakeholders, and driving the implementation process. Post-implementation, the reps also play a crucial role in addressing any issues or concerns from the institution or the students.

Remember, the specific stakeholders involved may vary depending on the institution's structure and policies.

1. Inclusive Access: Various educational publishers and providers, such as Pearson, McGraw-Hill, and Cengage, offer inclusive access programs. College bookstores, often in partnership with these providers, administer the program.

2. First Day Access: Barnes & Noble is one of the entities known for promoting this program under the name "First Day Complete".

3. All-Inclusive Learning: This is a broader term and not tied to any specific company or bookstore. However, educational content providers like Cengage (with its Cengage Unlimited program) can be considered part of this approach.

4. Equitable Access: The concept of equitable access is being pursued by a number of universities and providers. Follett, for instance, has a program called "IncludeED" that aligns with this model.

5. Course Fee Model: This is a general term for a business model rather than a specific program, so it's not tied to any particular company.

6. Digital Direct Access: VitalSource is one of the companies that offer a platform for providing direct digital access to course materials.

7. Bundle Pricing: Bundle pricing is a common strategy used by many companies, bookstores, and publishers to offer multiple products together at a lower price.

8. Bill-to-Student Option: This approach is used by many institutions and is not tied to any particular company or bookstore.

Implementing a course fee model involves several steps, which are coordinated with multiple stakeholders including the institution's administration, faculty, and bookstore. It also takes into account the timing of the academic calendar, as changes typically align with the start of a new term or academic year.

Here are the key steps and timing considerations:

1. Initial Discussion & Buy-In (6-9 months before term start): The sales rep must first discuss the idea with the faculty and/or department heads to understand their interest in and potential objections to a course fee model. Once they're on board, discussions should extend to the institution's administration since they often have final approval on course fees.

2. Meeting with Bookstore & Administration (5-8 months before term start): Once internal agreement is reached, arrange a meeting with the institution's bookstore and key administrative officials. This meeting will discuss the mechanics of the course fee model, including how it will be implemented, what it will cover, and how fees will be collected and remitted.

3. Agreement & Contract (4-7 months before term start): After discussions and negotiations, a formal agreement or contract (either from the school or bookstore) should be drafted and signed by all parties. This agreement will outline the responsibilities of each party, the agreed-upon fee structure, and the process for collecting and remitting fees.

4. Implementation & Monitoring (Start of the term): The course fee model should be implemented at the start of the next term or academic year. Throughout the term, the sales rep should stay in close contact with all parties to address any issues that might arise, ensure the model is working as planned, and make any necessary adjustments for future terms.

5. Review & Adjust (End of the term): At the end of the term, review the implementation with all parties involved. Gather feedback and data to assess the success of the model and make any necessary adjustments before the start of the next term.

Remember, these steps might vary based on the specific requirements and protocols of the institution. Always ensure to maintain open communication with all parties involved throughout the process for a smooth implementation.

Understanding the unique needs and processes of each institution is crucial to developing a successful course fee model strategy. During the discovery process, consider asking the following questions:

Understanding the Current Process:

• Can you describe your current process for supplying course materials to students?
• Are there any pain points in this process? What would you like to see improved?

Financial Aid and Accessibility:

• What percentage of your student population relies on financial aid?
• Are there measures in place to ensure course materials are accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation

Existing Programs and Partnerships:

• Do you have any existing programs or partnerships in place for course material delivery? If so, how are they working for you?
• Have you ever considered or implemented an inclusive access, all-inclusive, or first day access program?

Decision-Making Process:

• Who are the key stakeholders involved in the decision-making process for changes in course material delivery?
• What are the typical timelines for making these decisions?

Course Fee Model Consideration:

• What are your thoughts on integrating the cost of lab kits into the course or lab fee?
• What obstacles or concerns do you foresee in implementing a course fee model?

Bookstore Relations:

• How does your relationship with the college bookstore look like?
• How does the bookstore handle course materials currently?

Remember, the goal of these questions is not only to gather information but also to open up dialogue about the possibility of transitioning to a course fee model. Be prepared to listen, clarify, and provide insights where appropriate.

What is First Day?

First Day is a Barnes & Noble College inclusive access model, where digital course/ kit material is included as an additional course charge for a particular course or program in tuition. Digital material is delivered through LMS. Once I know what courses are going First Day, after adoptions are submitted, I create a worksheet with pricing that the students will be charged including tax to our Instructional Documentation Coordinator. She then enters all First Day courses into Colleague with the course charge for registration. This list is submitted 10 days before early registration begins.

• The Benefits are that students are prepared on the first day of class with their required digital materials. Kits are delivered to students (must have a physical address) after add/drop period (Census Date).
• For the Science Interactive Kits, the price of the kits (with shipping) is applied in the course charge at the time one pays for tuition. Once the census date hits, I acquire a list from the registrar’s office with all students enrolled in each class. This list is shared with our partners at Science Interactive and they send out individual kits to the student’s home. The list from the registrar’s office should include a physical mailing address, email, and phone number.
• First Day is 100% sell through
• Kits arrive within 3-5 business days, depending on the day kits are mailed out from the vendor.
• Students can use financial aid
• Vouchers and physical kits are no longer needed in the bookstore
• Avoid re-stocking fee’s and expired vouches
• Inventory control

Reconciliation & Invoicing

Depending on how this is set up between the business office and the bookstore, may vary from location to location. I have an account set up with the business office for invoicing. I charge the number of kits shipped to each student to the business office account, and this will create an invoice that the school will pay Barnes & Noble.

The 2^nd part of this, EScience will create one invoice for me will all kits shipped, and I will create the PO and submit for payment to my partners at our home office.

Technology Requirements

There are IT requirements that must be set up in order to participate in First Day, this will depend on if you are a Follet Store, Barnes & Noble, or a state-run organization. At Johnston Community College we use the following

• SIS Data Export
• LMS LTI Link
• API Roster