For the classes using a book from the iBooks store, you must setup an iTunes store account before you can receive the book. Mr. Rule recommends using a PERSONAL AppleID when setting this up – that way you can “take it with you” when you leave this fine institution.

However, sometimes Apple asks for a credit card on the account. According to an article on Apple’s support site, it IS possible to setup an account with no credit  – SOMETIMES.

• https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204034
• Create an iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store account without a credit card or other payment method

If the account is a NEW account, then you have the option of selecting “None” as a payment option.

HOWEVER, if the AppleID account already existed, Apple requires a credit card when setting up the new iTunes account. Here are some articles on how to work around this requirement:

• If you’ve already created your Apple ID, you’ll need to add a payment method when you first use it to sign in to the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store. But you can optionally remove the payment method after you sign in to the store. You won’t be asked for a payment method again until you make your first purchase.
• https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201266 has the details on how to remove the credit card from the account.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203905 has some more details about AppleIDs, iTunes Store, and credit cards – complete with links to detailed instructions.