Shark Pack Program

MDC Shark Pack Program Overview

Miami Dade College (MDC) continues to offer the MDC-Follett Shark Pack Program, designed to support our textbook affordability efforts and reduce the cost of instructional materials for students. 

As of Fall 2024, MDC has expanded Shark Pack to cover nearly all credit courses at the College.

We continue expanding the program to deliver required course materials through the College’s learning management system (LMS), Canvas, and additional publishers have transitioned to codeless delivery.

The Shark Pack program delivers required course textbook(s) and learning material(s) at a reduced rate for eligible courses and class sections.

• For eligible general courses and class sections (except Medical Campus courses), required course textbook(s) and learning material(s) are delivered at a rate of $26.75 per credit hour; for a non-Medical Campus 3-credit class, that’s all of your required materials for only $80.25!
• For eligible Medical Campus courses and class sections, required course textbook(s) and learning material(s) are delivered at a flat rate per class. Students will be saving an average of 25% off the current retail price of their required materials, with several courses at a savings of 40% or more!
• You can see the Shark Pack fees for eligible classes on your student fee invoice in MDConnect. Shark Pack fees only apply to class sections with required textbooks or courseware.

Shark Pack also delivers your required textbook(s) and learning material(s) on the first day of class, making sure you’re ready to succeed.

MDC, along with our partner bookstore Follett piloted phase I of the Shark Pack program in Fall 2022 with students enrolled in twelve (12) core courses. Due to the success of the initial pilot, additional courses were included in Phase II of the program’s expansion for Spring 2023. This expansion also includes several courses from the Medical Campus. Phase III of the program’s expansion began in Summer 2023, with the start of codeless delivery of instructional materials via Canvas.

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Shark Pack FAQs

What is the MDC Shark Pack program?w

Shark Pack is a partnership between Miami Dade College and Follett, our partner bookstore, which allows you to receive your required textbook(s) and course material(s) for a reduced cost for eligible courses and delivers them by the first day of class.

How do I know if I'm eligible for MDC Shark Pack?

Students enrolled in an eligible class section will automatically be eligible for the program.

To see all of your participating Shark Pack classes and the low-cost digital material(s) fee for each, please review your Student Fee Invoice in MDConnect under the “Other Charges Posted this Term” section.

Are you a dual enrollment student? Visit Textbooks for Dual Enrollment Students for information specific to you!

How do I sign up for MDC Shark Pack?

You don't need to do anything! You will be automatically included in the program if you are enrolled in a participating eligible course/section. Before your class starts, you will receive an email to your MyMDC.net student email address with instructions on how to access your required textbook(s) and/or course material(s). Need help with setting up your MyMDC Account? Visit MyMDC Account Tools for more information.

How much do my materials cost through the program?

Materials for general classes will be charged on a per credit hour fee of $26.75. For example, a general3-credit hour course would have a final course material charge of $80.25. Medical Campus course materials have a flat rate per class with an average savings of 25% off the current retail price of the required materials, with several courses at a savings of 40% or more!

We encourage all students to closely review their Shark Pack fees to calculate their potential cost-savings, based on the average retail price of their required materials. Please note students can continue to opt-out by class section – for example, a student may keep their Shark Pack materials for their math class, but opt-out of Shark Pack for their English class. 

Can I search for eligible Shark Pack classes?

Yes! You can search for Shark Pack classes in MDConnect’s open class search. Visit MDConnect and sign-in with your username (e.g., Finn.Shark001) and password, or Search for Classes without logging in. In the class search criteria, enter the term (i.e., semester), campus, and/or the subject and course number. Click on “Additional Search Criteria” and in the class attribute drop-down menu, select “Shark Pack”. You can also search for “Zero Textbook Cost” classes, which means there are no costs associated with the instructional materials for the class.

How do I Opt-Out from the program?

To opt-out of this cost-saving program, follow the directions below. You must submit an opt-out request before the 100% refund date for each class section for which you do not want the digital materials. Any previously accessed materials will be deactivated and the digital material fee removed from your account.

Once the opt-out deadline has passed for your class sections, you cannot make any changes to your final opt-out selection. After the opt-out deadline or the 100% refund date for the class, you cannot opt-in.
Students who opt-out will be responsible for purchasing the required course materials on their own.

Opt-out Instructions:

1. Sign in to MDConnect.
2. Navigate to Main Menu > Self-Service > Student Center >
3. In the Student Center, under “Finances,” and “My Account,” click on the “Shark Pack Opt-Out/In” link.
4. Enter the term/ semester you want to make changes to (e.g., 2233 for Spring 2023, or click on the magnifying glass to see all term options).
5. Once your classes populate, mark the check-box “Opt-out” to make the desired change for each class. A check mark indicates that you do NOT want the digital materials for that particular class.
6. Please note the “Opt-out” checkbox is one per class; if you have multiple Shark Pack eligible classes, you must check the box for each class listed to opt-out of each one.
7. When you are done with your selections, click Save and OK to confirm your selections.
8. The last date to opt-out of the digital materials fee is the 100% refund date for each class section in which you are enrolled.

When will I receive access or log-in information for my materials?

Course materials will be available on Canvas at 12:01 a.m. on the class start date for your class. For example, for an HUM1020 (Humanities) class starting in the main 16-week session (Session 1), the materials will be available in Canvas at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, 1/6/2025. If you are enrolled after the first day of class, the typical delivery timeframe is the next business day. Your faculty must pair the course materials in Canvas for you to be able to access them.

What kinds of materials can I expect?

eBooks – eBooks are digital versions of printed materials or textbooks. Page numbers and content match exactly to the print version of course material(s).

Courseware – Courseware is a term used to define any digital material that utilizes an online learning platform (e.g., MyMathLab, Connect, Mindtap). There are many different platforms your instructor could use, but most include exercises and content that will be graded or submitted through the platform. Courseware typically also provides access to the eBook for the material.

Printed Books – Some textbooks are not available for digital delivery and are only available in a printed format. If your required materials include a print-only textbook, you will receive an email from the bookstore letting you know about pick-up options. 

What if I don’t want digital materials for my class and I prefer a printed textbook? 

You can opt-out of the Shark Pack program and obtain the materials for your class on your own. We are able to pass on lowered costs to you by prioritizing digital materials, but we understand that some students prefer print/physical textbooks. Please see Opt-Out Instructions above.

How do I access my Materials?

Materials for Spring 2025 will follow these basic paths for obtaining access:

Macmillan, McGraw-Hill, Norton, Pearson, Top Hat, Cengage, Sage, Wiley, and Zybooks
All of these publishers will provide codeless access to your Shark Pack digital materials through your Canvas login, following the required pairing in Canvas by your faculty/instructor.

Cengage Courseware
You will receive an email from your campus' Follett Bookstore (i.e.: "MDC Bookstore - xxxxx Campus").
Follow the instructions provided by your instructor to access the courseware website, and simply use your access code to activate your account beyond any trial period that is offered.
If you can't find an email from Follett, search your inbox for: yourbookstore@em.efollett.com

eBooks and All Other Courseware

You will receive an email from Brytewave about your Redshelf materials.

You must use your MyMDC.net email address to set a password for your Brytewave account (Please change to "to set a password for your Brytewave account")

If you can't find an email from Brytewave, search your inbox for: donotreply@redshelf.com 

Print-only Books

Courses with print-only books will receive an email with their order information for materials pick-up at their class campus (e.g., Medical Campus Bookstore, Homestead Campus Bookstore).

If you would like to have a print-only textbook delivered to your home, please see instructions below:

1. Click on this link:
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (Hialeah)
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (Homestead)
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (Kendall)
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (MDC Online)
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (Medical)
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (North)
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (Padron)
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (West)
   Access Shipping Fee: Miami Dade College (bkstr.com) (Wolfson)
2. Click “Add to Bag” 
3. Then click “View Bag & Checkout." 
4. Click “Checkout” on the right.
5. Click “Create Account” or “Checkout as Guest”
6. Choose “Ship to an Address” and complete requested information.
7. Enter Student ID in “Special Instructions.”
8. Follow steps to complete your order.
9. Please keep your order number handy and include it in any communications regarding your order. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing and additional time for transit. No need to add any additional items to your cart.
   

When I log into my courseware or e-book site, it asks me for a code for my class. I already entered my activation code. Where do I get the class code?

Class codes are provided by your professor. Some e-books that are delivered via a courseware platform still require some set-up by your professor, even if your class will not be using the courseware part of the platform, such as quizzes and tests, and only the e-book.

Who do I contact if I can't access my Shark Pack course material(s)?

For technical assistance with accessing digital Shark Pack textbook(s) and learning material(s), please contact us at MDCSharkPack@follett.com.

Can I share the codes I receive with classmates?

Credentials or codes for materials delivered through the program are unique to you. They only work for one person. Once you have used them, they cannot be used to activate access for any other students. Your fellow classmates will receive their own credentials and codes to access the materials.

I am a faculty member and my instructional materials are eligible for Shark Pack, where can I get more information about pairing materials in Canvas?

Please visit the How to Setup Your Shark Pack Materials In Canvas Guide for more information and support resources. For more information, links to publisher guides, and support resources.

I am a Chairperson or designee. How do I update the adopted materials for a class to show as Open Educational Resources (OER) or “No Materials Required”?

Changing from an adopted title to OER requires direct notice to the bookstore manager for your campus to ensure Shark Pack fees are not assessed. Please contact your campus bookstore manager directly, listed below, for next steps.

Who do I contact if I can’t access or log in to my MyMDC.net student email address or my Canvas portal?

Manage your Account

• I forgot my username and password
• I want to change my password
• I want to change my challenge question
• Password and Login Help
• Log in to your MDC student email

Create an MDC Account

• New Students - Apply to MDC
• Returning Students

I already bought the book(s) for my class and didn’t know about this program. Can I still participate?

Yes! If you have already purchased the printed textbook for any of your Shark Pack courses and would like to benefit from this program, please visit your Campus Bookstore for assistance with requesting a refund for previously purchased materials and/or opting-in to Shark Pack. Please note, the Campus Bookstore may require that materials be returned in original condition. 

If I drop my Shark Pack class, will I receive a refund for the digital materials fee?

The Shark Pack charges will be added to and removed from your MDC student account in the same way tuition is adjusted when you add/drop a class before the 100% deadline. You will be charged for each participating course which you are enrolled.

What is the deadline for opting out?

You can opt out and opt back in until the add/drop deadline for each class session, per MDC’s Academic Calendar.

Will my financial aid or scholarship pay for my Shark Pack fees?

Yes.

What if I need an accessible format due to an impairment or disability?

If you need course materials in accessible formats please contact ACCESS (Disability Services) at your campus.

What does the Shark Pack digital materials fee cover?

The Shark Pack digital material(s) fee covers all the required instructional materials for your class, including your required textbook(s) and any courseware, like ALEKS, MyMathLab, MindTap, etc.

Supplemental materials, like lab coats, uniforms, or other items not provided via Follett bookstores, are not covered by the digital materials fee and would be purchased on your own.

Are the textbook(s) and instructional material(s) available through Shark Pack the same as the required materials listed on the Follett store for my class?

Yes! The digital materials provided via Shark Park are the same required materials listed for your class section. You can review the required materials for your class section(s) using the Follett “Find My Textbook” tool for your class campus. The ISBN for the digital materials available through Shark Pack is different, but the title and content of the required textbook(s) and courseware (e.g., MyMathLab, Revel, MindTap) is exactly the same, even down to the page numbers! If your class is participating in Shark Pack, you do not need to purchase any items that are listed as “required” and tagged as part of the “Follett Access” program on your own, since these will be delivered directly to your MyMDC student email. If you already purchased some items on your own, you can follow the “Returns” instructions at the end of this page for options.

My class uses Open Educational Resources (OER), so there are no required textbook(s) or instructional material(s) listed at the bookstore. Do I have to do anything else?

No, you are all set! Open Educational Resources (OER) are "teaching, learning, and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under an intellectual property license that permits their free use and re-purposing by others."

Many of our faculty members leverage available Open Educational Resources (OER) that result in very low cost or free required instructional material(s).

For more information on OER at MDC, please visit our OER Libguide.

What happens if I don’t pay the digital materials fee listed on my fee invoice?

Fees listed on the fee invoice must be paid by the tuition due date to avoid being dropped for non-payment. If your classes are dropped for non-payment, the digital material(s) fee will also be removed and you will also lose access to your digital material(s). If you add a class back to your schedule, you will receive new links and codes for any participating course(s).

If my classes are dropped and I add the same section(s) back to my schedule, is my courseware work saved (e.g., work from MyMathLab, Revel, MindTap)?

Yes, work that you have completed through courseware should be saved on the various platforms (e.g., on MyMathLab, Revel, MindTap, etc.). Follett will send you a new access code for classes requiring codes and you will have to enter to enter on the platform in order to access or retrieve your work.

Is the digital material(s) fee covered by Nelnet?

Yes, but only if the digital materials fee is already reflected on your tuition fee invoice when you sign up for a Nelnet plan.

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Returns

Purchases with Book Advance need to be returned before store close on Friday 8/30/24. Returns made before the Book Advance deadline will go back to the student’s financial aid account. Refunds for purchased items after the deadline date will be made to a gift card, or the student’s bank mobile card if they have one.

Online Orders
Digital Materials: Contact the Campus where your order was placed via phone, email, or in-person with your web order number, and request for return.

Physical Materials: Return the order in-person or by mail to any MDC bookstore with your web order number and request for return. Physical Access codes should be unused, and packages should be complete.

In-Store Purchases
Digital Materials: Should be returned to the purchase location with original receipt.

Physical Materials: Can be returned in-store at any MDC location with Receipt. Physical Access codes should be unused, and packages should be complete.