Embedded Files
PSEO students order required course materials for free through Course Works, the University Bookstore system.
When required materials are not available through Course Works or the Bookstore, PSEO can sometimes reimburse the costs. See this reimbursement guide for details.
1) Get Materials Through Course Works
1) Get Materials Through Course Works
Wait for the email from the University Bookstore. The Bookstore will email you when you can access Course Works in Canvas to order your PSEO course materials. Expect this email in August (for fall semester) and January (for spring semester).
Access Course Works: Log into Canvas on a desktop or laptop (Course Works is not available on the Canvas app for mobile devices). Navigate to Course Works > My Shelf.
You are automatically opted into the Course Works Select program. This is the correct option for all PSEO students.
Opt in to All Items: Ensure you are "opted-in" to every item listed in Course Works.
Pick up physical books when they’re ready: When you opt into physical books through Course Works, an order is automatically placed with the Bookstore for you.
Order Status: You can check the order status in the "Product Details" tab for each item.
Pickup Notification: You will receive an email notification when your books are ready. Bring your U Card (student ID card) and follow instructions in the email.
If you can't come to campus, see the FAQ to request shipping.
Access digital materials when they’re ready: Once the class starts, you can access your books through the Canvas > Course Works > Product Details tab.
2) Pick Up Specialized Kits and Equipment When Notified
2) Pick Up Specialized Kits and Equipment When Notified
Items such as art & science kits, lab coats, goggles, and calculators sold through University Bookstores are handled differently than textbooks.
Automatic Preparation: These items do not show up in Course Works. They are prepared for you by the Bookstore staff.
Pickup Notification: The Bookstore will email you when your items are ready for pickup. Bring your U Card (student ID card) and follow instructions in the email.
3) Check Your Syllabus
3) Check Your Syllabus
Once classes begin, check your course syllabus to make sure you have everything required for the course.
If you are missing any required items:
Check Course Works: See if any items were added late by the instructor that you still need to "opt into."
Contact the Bookstore: For missing kits, lab gear, or calculators that are sold by UMN Bookstores, reach out to the University Bookstore staff directly.
(if needed) Purchase Outside Materials: If a required item is not available through Course Works or the Bookstore, see this handbook’s Reimbursements section to learn whether PSEO covers the cost of the outside materials.
Need Help?
Need Help?
Orders: bksinfo@umn.edu
PSEO policy: pseo@umn.edu
Issues viewing or launching digital materials: courseworks@umn.edu
Contact the Bookstore Scholarship Desk
Contact the Bookstore Scholarship Desk
The Scholarship Desk staff assist PSEO students. Their desk is located in the University of Minnesota Bookstore in Coffman Memorial Union (CMU) on the ground level.
Email: bksinfo@umn.edu
Phone: 612-625-6000
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does PSEO cover optional course materials?
PSEO does not cover optional course materials. Check your syllabus, or ask your instructor to clarify which items are required and which are optional.
If a required item for your class is incorrectly marked as optional in the Bookstore system, email bksinfo@umn.edu with the following information: course & section number, course material title, and a copy of the course syllabus that lists the item as required.
If you purchase optional materials through the Bookstore using your student account, be sure to pay your student account by the deadline to avoid late fees.
Q: My class doesn't have course materials listed. Why?
A: Wait up to 48 hours after you register for a course. After registering for a course, you will need to wait up to 48 hours for the course to show up in the Bookstore ordering system. Email bksinfo@umn.edu if the course doesn't show up after 48 hours.
Check your syllabus.
When you get your syllabus, check to make sure you have everything you need. Your instructor may also communicate about required course materials via email or as an announcement in Canvas.
Items not sold through University Bookstores: If a required item is not sold through the Bookstores, see the Reimbursements page for information on purchasing course materials from other vendors. Contact pseo@umn.edu if you have questions.
If a required item for your class is incorrectly marked as optional in the Bookstore system, email bksinfo@umn.edu with the following information: course & section number, course material title, and a copy of the course syllabus that lists the item as required. To check which materials are marked optional, go to the Your Course Materials page to see all the required and optional materials available for a class.
Email pseo@umn.edu if you have any questions about your course materials.
Q: How do I access digital course materials?
A: To access digital content/textbooks for any given course, students simply log in to Canvas and click the Course Works tab located on the left hand navigation bar. Click “Read Now” from the "Product Details" tab to launch the e-reader and begin studying!
Issues? If you experience any issues viewing or launching your textbooks, please reach out to courseworks@umn.edu for assistance or contact RedShelf.
Mobile Devices Support: Digital materials cannot be accessed via the Canvas app for mobile devices. Use a desktop or laptop computer. Computer labs are available on campus. The RedShelf eReader Mobile App can be used for reading eBooks through the RedShelf Reader. Not all of the functionality of Course Works materials is available through the app. Visit the linked instructions to download the app.
Q: Can I access my Course Works materials on my phone?
A: The RedShelf eReader Mobile App can be used for reading eBooks through the RedShelf Reader. Not all of the functionality of Course Works materials is available through the app. Visit the linked instructions to download the app.
You cannot access your course materials through the Canvas app, as it does not support the Course Works Shelf.
Q: What do I do if the Course Works tab in Canvas is blank?
A: Please email courseworks@umn.edu for assistance.
Q: When will my order be ready?
Orders are typically processed within a few days.
If you would like to have your books/course materials on the first day of classes, the Bookstore recommends placing your order prior to the first day of classes.
Q: How do I cancel items from an order?
A: Go into "My Shelf" from the "Course Works" tab in Canvas and opt out of the item(s).
You can cancel items through Monday of the third week of classes (the last day to drop a course without receiving a 'W' [withdraw])
Q: What if I need physical course materials shipped to me?
A: To request your physical materials be shipped to you, please fill out this Course Works Shipping Form. You will need the order number from the email indicating that your order is ready for pick-up. Wait for that email to fill out this form.
If possible, please wait to request all your physical materials together in one order. This helps to reduce program costs.
Q: Do I need to return my books?
A: No, unless you drop the class. See the next FAQ for more information on dropped classes.
Q: What if I drop a class?
A: You will need to immediately return any required course materials back to the Scholarship desk. See the Returning Your Course Materials handbook page for more information.
If you have ordered course materials for pick-up or shipping, please cancel the items for the dropped course(s) by selecting "Opt Out" for each item.
Note: This does not apply to withdrawn courses-- only courses dropped within the first 2 weeks of the semester.
Q: How do I get required course materials not sold at University Bookstores?
A: If the item is not sold through University of Minnesota Bookstores, see the Reimbursements page for information on purchasing course materials from other vendors.
Q: What if my course material is out of stock?
A: You can opt into books in your Bookshelf that are out of stock. Those items will be backordered, and when the item is back in stock, your order will be fulfilled. You'll be sent an email when the item is ready for pick-up.
After classes have started, if you want to ask about any items on your Bookshelf that are still out of stock, you can email the Bookstore's Scholarship team (bksinfo@umn.edu) to ask about the item status. In your email, be sure to identify yourself as a PSEO student.
If there won't be additional stock coming into the Bookstore, you can purchase the required course materials yourself (use the seller listed in your syllabus; if unspecified, use Amazon.com or another retailer) and get reimbursed. When you submit your reimbursement request, include a note that you needed to purchase the item because it was out of stock at the Bookstore.
Q: Do PSEO students have to pay for required course materials?
A: No. Required course materials are paid for by PSEO.
Optional course materials are not covered by PSEO. You will need to pay for any optional course materials you purchase.
Student account charges
PSEO students participating in Course Works Select will see a charge on their student account that reflects the actual cost of the materials they have selected. You will not be responsible for the cost of your materials; those are paid by the PSEO program.
Q: Can I opt into course materials at any time in the semester?
A: Yes, you may opt into required course materails at any time during the semester. The course materials will be charged to PSEO.
Q: Can I write notes and highlight in my books?
A: Yes. You may write notes in and highlight your books.
If you have a workbook, you may also complete the exercises and tear out pages for assignments as needed.
Q: I need a course material in an alternate format (e.g. ebook or physical textbook) because of an agreement through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) or due to a health concern. What should I do?
A: Email the PSEO Office (pseo@umn.edu) to request the required course material in the alternate format as soon as possible. It typically takes a couple of weeks to get an item in an alternate format through the Bookstore. If the item is not available through the Bookstore, we may ask you to use the reimbursement process to get the item in the needed format from another vendor.
Q: I accidentally purchased required course materials from the Bookstore on my student account or credit card. What do I do?
A: Email the Bookstore Scholarship desk (bksinfo@umn.edu) and explain that you're a PSEO student and your situation. Include the order number in your email.
Report abuse