Open Educational Resources and Textbook Affordability for Faculty

Question: My course has a material fee, but the textbook is free... is this considered ZTC?

Yes! Per the Chancellor's Office: "Fees for materials in certain labs are allowed. Examples: "materials kits in cosmetology courses/labs or required purchase of googles for a chemistry lab." 

Question: What about online homework platform tools? I use an old edition of a textbook that is low-cost, but I also require access codes for a homework platform... Is this still considered LTC?

No. Unfortunately, curriculum costs associated with online platforms that require students to purchase access to is not considered ZTC or LTC, even if you use a free or low cost textbook. 

Question: I require students to purchase calculators, but also loan our or let students borrow calculators from the department/library... I use a free textbook, but is my course still considered ZTC?

YES!!! The Chancellor's Office has determined: "Yes. Although a ZTC section can require students to purchase supplies (other than texts and access to digital resources), colleges should have a process to inform students of these additional expenses and, if possible, establish mechanisms to reduce or remove these costs. A note in the schedule should indicate that the purchase of supplies is required. Also, systems for the loaning of some supplies can be established to assist students to reduce their costs."

Essentially, it is the College's responsibility to alert students that courses have material costs outside of the textbook, and it is also the college's responsibility to help ease this materials burden when possible. The library, ZTC grants, and equity funds are perfect examples of resources we can use to help reduce costs for students. 

Question: I teach a section of a course using a free textbook, but my colleagues use a different textbook that costs students money... Can I still claim my class is ZTC?

YES! YES! YES! While we encourage solidarity among departments, ZTC and LTC designations are section specific, not course. It is crucial to coordinate with your deans so they report your section as ZTC or LTC when applicable. Students see this information on our class finder and make financial decisions based on this information. 

Question: Can I use library materials to achieve ZTC or LTC status?

Of course! That is probably the easiest way to determine if your class can be classified as ZTC and if there are good OER options to adopt. Talk to your librarian. It never hurts and often helps.