This article will guide instructors through the steps that they will take if students who have not opted out are seeing a paywall when trying to access their Pearson courseware or Pearson+ ebook.

Pearson paywall instead of instant access to the course materials

The problem: In Fall 2023 Access programs, if an Instructor clicks a Pearson product link first to initialize Pearson courseware or a Pearson+ ebook  INSTEAD of clicking the link titled "Pearson Course Materials" first, students then attempting to access their course materials will see a Pearson page requesting payment for access ("paywall"). This is not the correct workflow. So long as students do not opt out, they should get direct access to the digital materials.

Below is an example of how the "Pearson Course Materials" link looks in the Canvas LMS. This is the link to click first to initialize your materials so that students get instant access (and not the paywall).

What to do:  Students should not pay for access via the paywall.   Instructors should immediately log a ticket with Pearson Educator Support  Pearson will either assist you with re-pairing the product and initializing again with the correct "Pearson Course Materials" link, OR, Pearson will provide an access code for you to share with students.  Students will enter the access code on the paywall to gain access without payment.

What if a Student already paid Pearson directly for access?  Direct students with the following instructions to request a refund ASAP:

Note: **Student Refund requests must be made within 14 days of purchase.

To request a refund for an online subscription you purchased directly from a Pearson Education website:

1. 1. Go to your Pearson Student Account
   2. Click on Contact Us
   3. Select Order Management under Support Type
   4. Then choose Chat or Phone.  
   5. Follow the on-screen instructions

Students may also immediately log a ticket with Pearson Student Support so they can request and obtain a full refund. 

Is my course still in the Access program?  Yes. Student accounts will still be billed the lower cost for the Access course materials, as usual.

We will be working with Pearson so this workflow error does not occur again next term.