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The University of Houston (UH) has implemented the Cougar Textbook Access Program (CTAP) to alleviate the financial burden of purchasing textbooks for its students. The program offers all undergraduate students the required course materials for a flat fee, resulting in significant cost savings.
Christian Avalos, a student at UH's C. T. Bauer College of Business, expressed his satisfaction with CTAP, stating, "CTAP has removed the financial stressors and inconveniences that come with the use of virtual textbooks and has allowed me to focus more on learning."
Similarly, liberal studies major Alyssa Green affirmed the cost-effectiveness of CTAP, mentioning, "CTAP has definitely been a cost-saving initiative. I have been able to compare and contrast how much I would pay without CTAP. CTAP always has come out to be cheaper, especially in classes with large textbooks and long reading lists."
The convenience and efficiency of CTAP were highlighted by both Avalos and Green, emphasizing the ease of accessing course materials without the hassle of searching for the right textbooks or bundles. Avalos shared, "Now, I only need to sign in to my course, access the platforms set by instructors, and smoothly start my work."
The success of CTAP extends beyond UH, with savings reported across the entire UH System, including UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown, and UH-Victoria. Emily Messa, UH senior associate vice president for administration, emphasized the program's impact on student readiness, stating, "CTAP ensures our students don’t have to wait for their books. We want to make sure all students start ready to learn."
Faculty members, such as Lisa Farmer, assistant professor of biology, have also noted the positive effects of CTAP on student academic performance. Farmer highlighted the seamless transition into the semester for both herself and her students, emphasizing the elimination of delays in accessing course materials.
CTAP is part of UH's commitment to student success initiatives, aiming to support academic performance while reducing student debt. Other programs at UH, such as UH in 4 and Houston Guided Pathways to Success, further contribute to student success by facilitating timely graduation and smooth transitions from community college to UH.
In conclusion, the Cougar Textbook Access Program at the University of Houston is not only saving students money but also allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of acquiring course materials. The initiative stands as a testament to UH's dedication to meeting student needs and promoting academic success.