Course Material Access Program

Course Material Access Program

The University of Alberta has implemented an automatic textbook billing program called Course Material Access (CMA) for Fall 2026. Every undergraduate student enrolled in at least one course that utilizes commercial instructional materials has been automatically assessed a flat fee of $259.00 per semester on their Bear Tracks account. 

The Students’ Union is providing independent consumer guidance so that every student can make an informed financial decision before the opt-out window closes. The program is not one-size-fits-all: for some students, it can provide savings; for others, it may represent an excessive expense.

Action Required: The deadline to assess your course materials and OPT OUT of the Course Material Access (CMA) program for Fall Term 2026 is Tuesday, September 22 at 11:59 p.m.

Does CMA make sense for you?

It's an easy 2-step process to find out.

  • Step 1: Sign into Canvas. Click Account. Click Course Material Access.
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  • Step 2: The next screen will inform you what course materials are required and what the base cost of those course materials are.
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This student is taking 4 courses. The first three courses are under the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program, but the fourth has two books. The costs of those two books are $14.00 and $35.75, for a total of $49.75. Remaining enrolled in CMA means paying $259.00 for $49.75 worth of materials. To prevent a loss of $209.25, the student should OPT OUT and save $209.25!

How do I opt out (or opt-in, if not automatically opted in) of Course Materials Access?

This is also an easy 2-step process.

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  • Step 2: This will take you to the following screen which will allow you to OPT OUT or OPT BACK IN (if you change courses). Remember the deadline to OPT OUT of the Course Material Access (CMA) program for Fall Term 2026 is Tuesday, September 22 at 11:59 p.m.
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Additional Resources and Support

For additional information from the University, click here.

You can also view the University's full Course Material Access Instruction Guide.

If you are having any other unresolved issues, you can email cmaprogram@ualberta.ca for assistance.

If you would like to let the UASU know about your problems, you can copy us on your message to the University or send us a separate email to cmahelp@uasu.ca