Each semester, the University of Arkansas Libraries and Global Campus offer faculty compensation and support to reduce the cost of textbooks for their students by using open educational resources. The Spring 2024 Call for Proposals is now open, and applications will be accepted through Wednesday, March 27.
Faculty can apply to the Open Educational Resources Course Materials Conversion Program to receive extra compensation. Successful applicants can receive $4,500 for adapting open educational resources or $7,500 for creating their own. Visit the Open Educational Resources webpage to learn more about the program and the differences between these two options.
“Open educational resources represent a win-win scenario for all involved,” said Jessica Morales, associate dean for collections and open initiatives. “By adopting and contributing to the development of OER, our faculty are empowered to tailor course materials to student needs, ensuring content and pedagogical approaches best meet learning objectives. The cost-saving benefits extended to our students through OER reduce economic obstacles and foster a more inclusive educational environment by increasing opportunities for every learner to flourish and succeed.”
Potential participants may find the application on the OER Course Materials Conversion Program website and will have until Wednesday, March 27, to complete applications. Submitted project applications are reviewed and scored by the Open Educational Resources Team and the campus advisory group.
The OER Course Materials Conversion Program began providing funding to faculty in 2017. Almost 4,000 students were impacted by using open educational resources during the fall 2023 semester, collectively saving students almost $300,000. In 2023, four texts were completed, and the program anticipates at least another four completed creation projects in 2024. All texts written by U of A authors can be found on the university’s Pressbooks website.
“Beyond the cost savings for students, open educational resources are easily edited or remixed, so faculty can align materials with course objectives and incorporate local examples or case studies that can increase student engagement,” said Christine Rickabaugh, open education librarian. “I’m excited to be a part of this work!”