Submit an application for the adoption grant which demonstrates how a textbook that students were previously required to purchase will be replaced with an openly licensed resource or combination of openly licensed resources and library options, such as course reserves or use of library-provided ebooks.
OER Grants
These grants provide a financial incentive for Western Michigan University faculty and instructors to switch to free, high-quality online resources rather than using a traditional textbook, or to create their own open educational resources.
Congratulations to the December 2022 grant recipients!
Creation Grant
- Dr. Vickie Edwards, PADM 2000 – Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership
- David Paul, PHIL 2000 – Introduction to Philosophy
- Dr. Mariola Pérez de la Cruz, SPAN 3220 – Life and Culture of Spain
- Dr. Diane Riggs, REL 2100 – Religions of the World
Adoption Grant
- Anna Buss, PHYS 1070 – Elementary Physics and PHYS 1130 – General Physics
- Dr. Sharon Gill, BIOS 4390 – Animal Behavior
- Jason Johnson, CYCS 1200 – Programming in C for Cybersecurity
- Dr. Adam Matthews, GEOG 5670 – Geodata Handling and Mapping
- Dr. Viva Nsair, MGMT 2500 – Organizational Behavior
- Dr. Heather Petcovic, GEOS 3010 – Minerals and Rocks
- M Sanyat Rabby, PHYS 1150 – General Physics II
- Dr. Tiffany Schriever, BIOS 1620 – Ecology and Evolution
- Dr. Wuwei Shen, CS 4900 – Software Systems Development
- Dr. Zoann Snyder, SOC 2600 – Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Dr. Li Yang, GEOG 4180 – Tourism Planning and Development
Background
Colleges and universities have developed open textbooks and course content in response to concerns about the affordability of traditional textbooks. Textbook prices have risen 1,041% since 1977, higher than medical costs and the Consumer Price Index.
Many students who can’t afford their textbooks have found a simple, but concerning solution—they don’t buy them. According to research sponsored by Florida Virtual Campus in 2018, 64% of students did not purchase a required textbook. In addition, 42% of students took fewer courses and 22% dropped a course due to textbook costs. Open textbooks and course content provide an alternative to expensive textbooks.
Adoption Grant
Watch for another Adoption Grant opportunity coming soon.
The Adoption Grant encourages WMU faculty and instructors to adopt an open textbook or open course content. Adopting an open educational resource not only provides cost savings to students but also allows the customization of content to meet your students' learning needs. It can also be specifically tailored to your teaching style and course development needs.
Creation Grant
Watch for another Creation Grant opportunity coming soon.
The Creation Grant supports WMU faculty and instructors in the creation of an original, openly licensed textbook. Creating an open educational resource not only provides your students with high-quality learning content but it helps students everywhere. Developing resources with this level of reach and impact can be a valuable addition to your professional profile.
Questions about the grants?
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Ask Michele Behr
Our scholarly communications and open educational resources librarian is here to answer any questions you might have about either open textbook grant.
Learn more about OER
Check out our site to learn what OER is, where to find it, how to adapt and create it, and more.