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:
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
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: sse@ualberta.ca