Dear AU Community,

The Eagle Access portal is now open, and we are pleased to share updates on the Eagle Access Program for the spring 2026 semester. Earlier today, students received instructions on how to access their required course materials and participate in—or opt out of—the program. As students explore what is available, please keep in mind that materials will continue to be added over the next few weeks. Digital materials will be released on January 2, and physical materials will be ready for pickup at the Campus Store starting January 5. Opt-outs for spring must be submitted by the January 26 add/drop deadline. 

The Eagle Access Program is designed to lower the cost of course materials, ensure students have what they need before classes begin, and simplify what can often be a stressful process of procuring course materials from multiple sources. This past fall, nearly 9,000 students participated in the program, accessing more than 700 required titles across 2,875 course sections—and saving an estimated $1.24 million compared to publisher retail pricing. 

The recommendations and feedback received from the AU community following the fall launch have played a pivotal role in informing enhancements for the spring semester. Notable changes to the program include: 

• Launching the new Follett Discover Adopt tool, which is integrated in Canvas under “My Materials,” and is designed to make it easier for faculty to submit required course material information (existing methods from the fall remain available).  
• Consolidating all program-related communications to a single email contact for all community members: eagleaccess@american.edu.  
• Strengthening platform reliability and functionality in partnership with Follett and the university’s Office of Information Technology.  
• Updating and expanding the information and FAQs on the program website. 

Your continued feedback is critical to the success of the program. We will provide additional opportunities for input from faculty, staff, and students in the coming weeks.  

Vicky M. Wilkins  
Provost and Chief Academic Officer  

Bronté Burleigh-Jones 
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and Treasurer