PANTHER BOOK ACCESS PROGRAM
The Panther Book Access Program (PBOK) ensures that students receive all required digital textbooks at the beginning of each semester. Through the PBOK program, our campus reduces the cost of digital textbooks compared to traditional print textbooks and guarantees that every student has access to what they need by the first day of class. This program removes the burden of searching for and purchasing materials separately, allowing students to focus on learning from day one.
There are two goals of this program:
- Lower the overall cost of digital textbooks to help students save money
- Ensure all students have immediate access to their materials by the first day of class, supporting academic success
Perks of the PBOK Program
- Transparent, predictable pricing – no surprise textbook costs each semester
- Save 20–80% compared to purchasing new print materials
- Deferred billing – costs are included as a course fee
- Seamless access to digital textbooks on the first day of class through iCollege
- Faculty-driven content – instructors retain full academic freedom to select materials that best support student success
How Does It Work?
Coming Fall 2025: Georgia State University is launching the Panther Book Access Pilot Program for selected courses only.
- Instructors select the course materials that best support their teaching and learning objectives.
- The bookstore collaborates with publishers to secure the most competitive pricing available on the market.
- You will gain instant access to digital textbooks on the first day of class in your iCollege portal.
Through the Panther Book Access (PBOK) Program, the cost of required digital textbooks will be included as part of a course fee charged directly to your student account, providing a more streamlined and affordable approach to accessing your textbook for the term. This initiative is designed to remove barriers and enhance your learning experience from day one.
Am I required to participate in the program?
All students enrolled in participating courses are automatically included in the program each semester. However, students have the option to opt out during the designated opt-out period for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. For more information on how and when to opt out, please refer to the FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions
PBOK
All students enrolled in participating classes are initially included in the Panther Book Access Program and will receive an email with detailed information. Students who would like to review the option to opt out of the program, please review the FAQ titled “Is the Panther Book Access Program required, or can I Opt-Out of the program?”
The Panther Book Access Program makes it easy to get your digital textbooks for participating classes, with costs included in your school statement. This ensures that students have access to required digital materials through iCollege on or before the first day of class. If your professor requires additional supplies for your course, you will need to purchase those separately.
The cost of the Panther Book Access Program varies depending on the courses you're enrolled in. Charges for the materials will appear on your bill in PantherPay. You can review more details by logging in to PAWS and then PantherPay.
Required digital textbooks are supplied at the beginning of each semester. The materials will be accessible on the first day of class. Please continue to check your school email before the start of each semester for additional details.
No, it is not required. Students may choose to opt out or not participate in the Panther Book Access Program. When you opt-out, you indicate you do not want to participate in any course eligible for the PBOK program. Students wishing to opt out must do so by the end of drop/add period for each semester. Students who opt out of the Panther Book Access Program are responsible for finding and purchasing the required textbooks on their own. All materials will be available at the campus bookstore, where you can pick from different formats and pricing options. Opt-out instructions are below:
- Access your account in PAWS to Opt Out.
- Click on the “Hamburger Menu” on the top left of the page.
- Select the Student Accounts Option.
- Select the Panther Book Access Program Option.
- Select the term.
- Select the Opt Out option.
Not all classes are included in the Panther Book Access (PBOK) program. The program only covers textbooks specifically recommended by faculty for each course. If you are enrolled in an eligible course, you will be automatically enrolled in the program, and your digital textbooks will be available in iCollege on the first day of classes.
Fall Semester 2025: August 29, 2025
Spring Semester 2026: January 16, 2026
Summer Semester 2026
- MayMester: May 12, 2026
- Summer Semester: June 12, 2026
If you already opted out and the opt-out period has not ended, you can opt back in during that period of time. Please log back into the opt-out portal and choose “Opt-In.”
Once you have registered for your courses, you will be provided a digital textbook on the first day of class in your iCollege portal.
The Panther Book Access Program is a digital textbook-only program. If you are required to purchase any additional supplies for the course, you will need to visit the bookstore or any vendor to acquire the item(s).
If you add or drop an eligible course, that information is automatically transmitted to the campus bookstore. For added courses, digital materials will be available via iCollege. If you drop a course, access to the digital materials will be automatically disabled.
If that course includes digital material, the length of access is dependent on that specific material. Please contact the campus bookstore for more details.
Please email [email protected] or call 404-413-4357.
Contact Student Financial Services
Got Questions?
The Student Financial Management Center and the Offices of Student Accounts and Financial Aid are available to assist you despite the office physical closure. View Panther Answer to contact us.
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Student Financial Management Center is using Virtual Advising Appointments to assist students with questions regarding financial aid and student accounts. Please click below to schedule an appointment.
