First Day is an all-access course materials program allowing students to have their materials (print or digital) by the first day of class. Through this program, physical books are conveniently packaged and provided to students and access to digital material is directly within Canvas. The materials cost is included in tuition at a discounted price and is eligible to be covered by financial aid. Studies show that student success increases when students have the correct learning materials from the start of class.
NOTE: In Fall 2025 term, only select courses are in the First Day program. Students should refer to the to determine if their courses are part of the First Day program.
First Day Student Information
There are different ways to verify that a class is included in the First Day program:
- Online Catalog: Courses in the First Day program are noted as such in the online course catalog found on the university's website ().
- Bookstore Website: Students can also confirm First Day courses on the bookstore's website.
- Bookstore Email: Starting August 11th, students enrolled in one or more First Day course will receive an email from the bookstore with a list of course materials included in the First Day program. See below for instructions on how to receive your materials in the First Day program.
Starting August 11th, students enrolled in one or more First Day course will receive an email from the bookstore with a list of course materials they will receive as part of the First Day program. For physical materials, the student will be prompted to select their delivery preference: in-store pickup at the ODU Bookstore or direct shipment via UPS (shipping fees apply). Digital materials will be delivered through the corresponding course in Canvas.
If physical materials are included, the student must make a selection on their delivery preference in order to receive their materials. An email notification will be sent when your order is ready for pickup or when it ships.
For questions or assistance on accessing digital course materials, please contact the ODU Bookstore or BNC Customer Care:
Bookstore Contact Info
- Web: odu.bncollege.com
- Email: sm8590@bncollege.com
- Phone: 757-683-3400
BNC Customer Care
- Web: Customercare.bncollege.com
- Email: bookstorecustomercare@bncollege.com
Just like tuition and fees, when students drop a First Day course prior to the drop/add date, the course materials fee is credited back to the student's account.
Students dropping courses utilizing ebooks will not need to take any further action. Once the drop is officially recorded, the digital material provided for the dropped class will be automatically removed from their Canvas. Access to the corresponding ebook is then terminated.
Students are responsible for returning all physical First Day materials in new condition for dropped courses. The material cannot be opened and out of the shrink wrap (if applicable); the access code cannot be scratched off or used (if applicable). If the material is not in re-saleable condition, the student may incur a charge at the bookstore. Failure to return First Day materials will result in a hold on the student's account.
The majority of First Day materials provided to students are theirs to keep. The student's order form will indicate if any rental materials are included. The deadline to return all rental textbooks is the last day of final exams for the semester. Students with rental materials will receive reminders ahead of the rental deadline to their student email address.
Yes, the program provides you with the option to purchase any rental textbooks at a reduced rate during the semester.
Students will receive email notifications from the bookstore reminding them to verify their order and choose their fulfillment preference. The materials will be held at the bookstore and their student account will be charged.
Yes, physical materials will be held at the bookstore, digital materials will be accessed through Canvas and the student account will be charged.
First Day Faculty Information
The First Day All-Access program is a driver of student success. Nearly one in five students skipped or deferred a class due to costs associated with course materials. Without implementing the First Day program, only 28% of students have all the required materials on First Day of class, but with First Day, 100% have their materials for First Day. Approximately 77% of faculty use the required textbooks in every class and three out of four students agree having their textbook helps them get better grades.
Students receive their course materials at the start of class, regardless of their à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã status or situation, so they arrive on First Day ready to learn. The faculty no longer has to worry about students being prepared with the correct materials on First Day, and no longer have to act as tech support for digital materials or access code logins.
A recent, 12-month study of VCCS found that with the First Day program, students were more likely to earn higher grades and less likely to withdrawal.
This program provides students with the right materials from First Day while ensuring faculty retain the academic freedom to choose the materials that best suit their teaching methods and preferences. Faculty are free to choose any format they find most beneficial to their student; digital, physical, or a combination of both. The First Day program does not impact the course materials used, rather the process by which students receive them.
To guarantee students receive First Day materials on first day of classes, adoption submission deadlines are crucial. Adoptions can be submitted through Barnes & Noble College’s Adoption Insights Portal (AIP). Please contact the bookstore if you have trouble accessing this tool or if you would like to schedule a training session for your department/team.