Stage 1 – PLANNING GRANT – $250
This grant is designed to encourage the exploration and possible implementation of zero cost course materials. In other words, this grant supports faculty in finding and implementing course materials to replace commercial textbooks or materials, which students are required to purchase for a class. This grant supports Goal 2 (Transformative Learning to Advance Social Mobility), Objective 5 (Eliminate hidden costs and barriers to participation in the full range of learning experiences at Hollins) of the newly adopted strategic plan. Stage one of the grant is for “planning.”
What is implied with the word “plan”?
Planning would entail meeting with James Miller and/or your liaison librarian to receive recommendations for places to search for resources to replace commercial textbooks in the courses. Planning also involves reviewing the commercial content (what your students purchase) of your courses and comparing with the landscape of OER to see if there are zero cost materials available that are appropriate for the course content.
Who can apply?
Individual faculty can apply for this grant. We encourage department heads to apply and would ideally like to see all department members to be a part of the grant (and do the planning work), so their work could have the largest possible impact on student access and learning. However, we understand this may not be possible so we encourage individuals to apply.
How many courses do I have to review?
Each faculty member must review 2 required courses with commercial content (content students must purchase) to be eligible to receive $250 for stage one of the grant.
ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for this grant, participating faculty must be willing to share their experience, either through a faculty lunch or some type of panel for a faculty development workshop. Faculty are expected to keep track of their “journey” in the OER world so they can talk about it and their experience. Below are sample prompts to help document their experience searching for zero cost materials.
- Where did you search?
- What was or was not available for your specific classes?
- What are your general thoughts about the OER universe for your class and/or discipline?
- What tips do you have for others who are searching for zero cost materials?
Does converting commercial materials to “fair use” fit the Zero Cost requirement?
It is acceptable to use “fair use” materials in the course to which you are adding zero cost materials. Of course, the majority of your course should not be scanned materials from commercial textbooks, as the spirit of zero cost materials is to move away from the commercial textbook model. The librarians (Luke and James) are also happy to talk to you about fair use.
What counts as zero cost materials?
Zero cost materials include any items free to students. If the publisher has made them available, the library can also purchase eBooks with usage policies that allow multiple students to access the content simultaneously. eBook access is free to students, so eBooks are a zero cost material for students.
Do I need documentation of my planning or exploring of alternative materials?
Yes. While the stage one grant does not require specific documents or official forms, however, be prepared to discuss your exploring of zero cost materials at some length with Librarians Luke and James.
What if I don’t find anything that fits my course?
You are still eligible for the stage one grant if you are unable to find anything that fits your course. You will be required to discuss your exploration and planning with Librarians Luke and James. This discussion will help inform the library’s approach to zero cost materials
What is the timeline for exploring?
Faculty would conduct the planning work in the spring. If faculty identify suitable materials to replace commercial textbooks, they will be awarded an additional $500 per course in the summer after converting/implementing the new materials into courses. This leads us to stage two.
Interested in applying for stage one? Use this form.
Stage 2 – IMPLEMENTATION GRANT – $500 (per course) with a $1000 award maximum
To be eligible for the implementation grant, you must have a course(s) prepared to use the new zero cost materials. You must complete the implementation work in Summer, and teach the course in the following academic year.
Please fill out this form to indicate which courses and when you will teach these courses.