Course Fee Opt-Out
In an effort to protect students and ensure their best interest, the U.S. Department of Education published new rules (34CFR668.161-167) via the Federal Register on October 30, 2015. The Program Integrity and Improvement rules require the University of Cincinnati to provide students the ability to opt-out of course/class fees associated with books or supplies.
How to Opt-Out of a Course Fee
Students wishing to exercise their right to opt-out of an eligible course/class fee should download the Course Fee Opt-Out Form, complete, sign, and then email the completed form to Kathryn Hunzicker at hunzickl@ucmail.uc.edu.
The deadline to submit an opt-out form is the 15th day of the term. Students should plan accordingly so that they meet the deadline. Please allow 2-3 days for processing.
Please note, the University takes your education seriously. In addition to negotiating huge discounts, we coordinate with Follett and the publisher to deliver your books through Canopy, so that they are available on the first day of class. Opting-out of the fee, and the automatic delivery of the electronic book and materials, will hinder your success in this class and is not recommended.
34CFR668.164 (c)(2) page 67196 (PDF page 72):
(2) An institution may include the costs of books and supplies as part of tuition and fees under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section if — (i) The institution —
(A) Has an arrangement with a book publisher or other entity that enables it to make those books or supplies available to students below competitive market rates;
(B) Provides a way for a student to obtain those books and supplies by the seventh day of a payment period; and
(C) Has a policy under which the student may opt out of the way the institution provides for the student to obtain books and supplies under this paragraph (c)(2). A student who opts out under this paragraph (c)(2) is considered to also opt out under paragraph (m)(3) of this section;