With the first day of classes just around the corner, all students have been sent an email from the Black & Gold Advantage program with next steps to secure their course materials for the upcoming fall semester.

Included in the message is a full list of required course materials, as well as a chart comparing the market rate of these materials with the charge to participate in the Black & Gold Advantage program.

All students must:

1. Review the list of physical and digital materials included with their courses.
2. Select how they would like to receive their course materials, either via free in-store pickup or direct shipping.
3. Submit their selections.

These steps are required and must be completed prior to receiving any course materials. Any delays in completing these steps could result in your student not receiving their course materials prior to the first day of classes.

The Black & Gold Advantage program is Southwestern’s course material model as part of the University’s partnership with Barnes & Noble to operate the campus bookstore. The Black & Gold Advantage program ensures equitable and affordable access to course materials for students prior to the first day of classes. All Southwestern students are automatically enrolled in the program and are charged $25 per credit hour taken each semester, regardless of how many materials each course requires.

Those wishing to opt-out of the Black & Gold Advantage program may do so before September 5. Eligible students who have elected to opt-out of the program will be responsible for purchasing their course materials through the bookstore or another vendor of their choosing. Students may opt out and opt back in as many times as they would like prior to the opt-out deadline of September 5.