4.13 Textbooks and Other Materials
4.13.1 System Policy
The University of Texas System policy regarding textbooks and other materials prescribed for the use of students is set forth in Regents' Rule 31004.
4.13.2 University Policy
4.13.2.1 The University discourages frequent changes in assigned textbooks. Such changes should be made only for cogent reasons.
4.13.2.2 Any proposed change in the textbook for any course, within one year from the date of first adoption, must be approved by the departmental faculty having jurisdiction. A statement of the authorization, including reasons for the approved change, shall be transmitted by the Chair of the Department through the Academic Dean to the Provost.
4.13.2.3 All faculty members participating in the decision-making process leading to the adoption of a textbook(s) or other materials for use in a course shall avoid any appearance that their independent judgment may have been impaired. To that end, while faculty members may accept examination copies from publishers, they may not accept any other gifts or services from publishers or vendors whose products are under consideration. While faculty members are encouraged to author and review textbooks and to develop other materials for classroom use, such paid relationships with vendors should be transparent in the adoption process. Faculty who have or anticipate having a paid relationship with a vendor whose materials are under consideration for adoption should notify the Department Chair and the adoption committee of such a relationship in advance of the selection process and appropriate steps should be developed to ensure the integrity and transparency of the process.
4.13.2.4 Textbooks (Printed and Digital), notebooks, manuals, or other materials for purchase by students, written or compiled by a member or members of the faculty of the University shall not be prescribed for use by students until the Authorization for Use of Textbooks form has been submitted and approval has been obtained. Visit this page to download the form: https://www.utep.edu/provost/_Files/docs/instruction/facultyauthoredtextbookadoptionform.doc
4.13.2.4.1 Use of such materials must be approved annually, first, by the departmental faculty having jurisdiction, and must be accompanied by reasons for the proposed adoption as well as indication of the proposed prices and profits.
4.13.2.4.1.1 The faculty member(s) who authored the textbook, notebook, manual or other materials shall not participate or vote in the departmental faculty decision.
4.13.2.4.2 Approval must also be obtained from the Department Chair, the appropriate Academic Dean, the Provost, and the President of the University. Authorization shall be effective only to the end of the fiscal year (August 31) for which approval has been given.
4.13.2.4.3 A copy of the authorization is required to be sent to the University bookstore in connection with the adoption of the textbook, notebook, manual or other material.