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 April 2024 adoption grant recipients!
- Lori Brown, Flight Science, AVS 3080
- Dr. David Code, Music, MUS 1620 and MUS 1630
- Mandy Cox, Social Work, SWRK 3510
- Dr. Gary Marquardt, Africana Studies, AAAS 2000
- Dr. Shannon McMorrow, Interdisciplinary Health, MPH 6050 and PH 2320
- Dr. John Saillant, History, HIST 4245 and HIST 6200
- Dr. Zoann Snyder, Sociology, SOC 3140
- Anthony Wilburn, Mathematics, MATH 1160
Estimated cost savings
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Western students have saved an estimated $1.3 million* in textbook costs in courses funded by the OER grants since launching in 2019.
*Savings calculated based on estimated course enrollment and textbook costs in grant applications. Enrollment and cost may vary per class.
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 Western 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 Western 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?
Questions about the grants?
Michele Behr, our scholarly communications and open educational resources librarian, is here to answer any questions about either OER grant.