Course Materials Affordability
As outlined in the Student Experience Action Plan, the U of A aims to prioritize student success and eliminate barriers to participation by optimizing the cost of student tuition and fees.
The current approach focuses on three initiatives aimed at making course materials more affordable.
Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)
The ZTC program encourages instructors to register their courses as ZTC with the Office of the Registrar so they can be flagged in Bear Tracks and My Schedule Builder.
Students can use ZTC as a search parameter when deciding which classes to take.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
OER are free educational materials that may include textbooks, curricula, syllabi, lecture notes, assignments, tests, projects, audio, video and animation. These materials are free of most legal restrictions and can be reused without fear of copyright infringement. Library staff can help instructors to find OER to adopt in their courses or provide technical support to create OER for their classes.
Students can use OERs as assigned by their instructors or search the Library for resources that they can access online or borrow. Ask the Library for help »
Course Material Access Program
The Course Material Access opt-out program will offer undergraduate students access to their Bookstore-adopted required digital and printed course material for a flat fee per term.
This program will serve as a transitional initiative while providing the critical data needed to expand ZTC and OER adoption.
Coalition for Affordable Course Materials
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. Learn more about the coalition »