Notes from Council: First Day Access program delayed until fall 2026
Additionally, council approved the 2025–26 Studentcare health and dental contract.
Helen Zhang“Notes from Council” is The Gateway’s ongoing series of recaps of noteworthy items from Students’ Council meetings.
At the July 8 meeting of the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) Students’ Council, Vice-president (academic) Katie Tamsett announced that the implementation of the First Day Access (FDA) program has been delayed until fall 2026.
FDA would provide required course materials to students on the first day of classes at a flat, semesterly fee of $249. Students would have the opportunity to opt-out of the program.
Council opposed FDA when it was presented by the Coalition for Affordable Course Materials (CACM) on January 21. Additionally, a statement released on February 18 signed by various members of Students’ Council, General Faculties Council (GFC), and Student Representative Associations (SRAs) expressed disapproval of the program.
According to Tamsett, the university made this decision as it requires “sufficient time to ensure a successful implementation of the program.”
Tamsett said she’ll be meeting with Adam Medaglia, U of A Bookstore manager, to discuss the current contract, and with CACM to ensure information surrounding FDA is communicated to students and student leaders. Additionally, she’ll meet with SRAs through the Council of Faculty Associations’ (CoFA) senior board to ensure they are informed on how to opt-out.
Council then moved to approve the 2025–26 Studentcare health and dental contract. The motion carried.
