Last updated on February 27, 2025
Engage provides students and instructors with seamless, integrated access to digital textbooks (eTexts) and publisher-provided tools through Canvas—often at a significantly lower cost than print. Instructors and course coordinators can order eTexts and Digital Learning Tools (DLTs) using the Order Tool.
To receive notifications about open ordering periods, update your email subscription preferences with DoIT Academic Technology. Simply check the box for Enroll in Engage communications and click Submit to join the Engage Instructors list!
Engage is part of the Learn@UW suite of learning technologies. More information about Engage and other services, tools and events are available on the DoIT Academic Technology website.
Getting started
The first step for instructors (or course coordinators who request access through the DoIT Help Desk) is to select Engage digital materials through the Order Tool. This direct link to the Order Tool will only work for instructors and course coordinators during the designated ordering periods. eTexts or DLTs purchased directly from the publisher won’t be available through Engage.
The second step is for instructors to set up their Canvas course, either by adding the Engage eText tool or adding the DLT, depending on which they’ve selected. Both documents provide other tips for preparing or using the respective tool.
The Engage eReader and publisher DLTs can be accessed by logging into Canvas. Engage is currently available only in for-credit courses.
Documentation is available on the Engage Overview page in the Learn@UW–Madison KnowledgeBase and on Unizin’s Engage Resources page and offers helpful information on how to get started.
Pricing
The Engage eReader is available at no cost. However, students do pay for the content – typically at a fraction of the print cost. Payment and financial aid adjustment are automatically conducted through the student’s tuition billing process with the Bursar’s Office. Sales tax is assessed on Engage digital materials.
Students may opt out of purchasing their course’s eText (and DLT, if applicable), though this is not recommended. Before making a decision, they should review the conditions, considerations, and potential consequences outlined in Engage – Opt-Out Considerations and Guidelines.
If, after careful review and discussion with their instructor, a student still chooses to opt out, they must update their selection in the Order Tool during the designated Student Choice periods. Instructions are available in the linked KnowledgeBase document.
Refunds for course drops follow standard tuition refund policies.
Key features
- Immediate access to digital materials in Canvas; no additional purchases required.
- eTexts available at significantly reduced prices (typically 40–80% off retail); DLTs generally around 25% off.
- Usage data can help identify key areas for exam reviews and other activities.
- External content, including Open Educational Resources (OER), can be added and ordered through the Engage Order Tool.
- Simplified ordering process for content from multiple publishers via the Order Tool.
- Students retain access to eTexts for as long as they are enrolled at UW–Madison.
- Students can print 100% of their eTexts for free, covering only the cost of paper (printing instructions available here).
- Seamless ordering, payment, and financial aid adjustments through the student’s tuition billing process with the Bursar’s Office.
Support
The DoIT Help Desk provides instructors, staff and students with free tech support and troubleshooting help by phone at (608) 264-4357, email and chat. In-person support is also available at the DoIT Help Desk service desk in the Computer Sciences building. Visit helpdesk.wisc.edu for hours and more information.
The DoIT Help Desk can provide support with questions and concerns regarding eTexts, billing, the Order Tool, accessibility, opt-outs, and general technical support. Support for DLTs will need to be directed to the publisher. For more information, see the Support options KnowledgeBase document.
Instructors and instructional staff can also request a consultation through the DoIT Help Desk. A Learn@UW–Madison consultant will help you select and use the right eText/DLT for your course or figure out the best way to utilize them to improve student success. In addition, the Learn@UW–Madison KnowledgeBase and Unizin Engage Resources page offer helpful documentation for instructors and students.