Coalition for Affordable Course Materials
The cost of textbooks and course materials can be a significant barrier to student success. The Coalition for Affordable Course Materials brings together the university community to explore practical, sustainable solutions.
The Coalition for Affordable Course Materials is a university-wide initiative led by Student Success and Experience and Library and Museums, established under the Provost's Office. Working in collaboration with students, faculty and staff, the coalition is committed to reducing the financial burden of course materials across the university by promoting:
On This Page
Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)
Encouraging faculty to adopt ZTC methods to reduce or eliminate the cost of course materials for students.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Supporting the adoption and development of freely accessible, customizable educational resources that reduce costs for students.
Course Material Access Program
Supporting the U of A Bookstore’s Course Material Access Program, which provides transitional support to ensure students have the materials they need while the university works to expand ZTC and OER adoption.
In collaboration with faculty, the coalition will:
- Identify barriers and enablers to adoption of ZTC and OER approaches
- Set collective targets for ZTC adoption across the university
- Develop recommendations for institutional supports and resources
- Work collaboratively with University Services, Operations and Finance to develop a framework to assess the ongoing need for the Course Material Access Program as ZTC/OER adoption targets are met
New Report: Moving Towards Zero Textbook Costs
The Coalition for Affordable Course Materials gathered feedback from instructors across the university to understand their experiences with course material selection, the barriers they face in adopting Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) and Open Educational Resources (OER) initiatives, and what support would help drive broader adoption. "Moving Towards Zero Textbook Costs" summarizes what we learned.
We want your input
This report reflects the voices of instructors who participated in our research. We've also developed a proposed action plan based on what we heard. Now we're inviting instructors to review both and share your feedback.
Your continued input will shape the final action plan and ensure it addresses the real needs and concerns across your disciplines.
Read the report Share your feedback
Deadline for feedback: Oct. 31, 2026
Questions? Contact uaopen@ualberta.ca
The Coalition for Affordable Course Materials is excited to announce the University of Alberta Open Education Grant. This grant provides funding and support to instructors who want to reduce course material costs through OER. Funding amounts range from $1,000 to $7,500 per project, or an open ask based on the project's scope.
Membership
Co-chairs
- Ravina Sanghera, Vice-Provost and Dean of Students, Student Success and Experience
- Trish Chatterley, Associate University Librarian, Library and Museums
Members
- Registrar’s Office
- University of Alberta Students’ Union
- University of Alberta Bookstore
For questions related to the Coalition for Affordable Course Materials, please reach out to: uaopen@ualberta.ca