Open Educational Resources (OER)

Do you know someone in the UNC community who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to open education? 

Nominate them for the inaugural Open Education Excellence Award!

Nominations are due Sunday, February 16 by 11:59pm

The AOER Committee, in partnership with Student Government Association (SGA) and the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL), seeks nominations for the first annual Open Education Excellence Award! This award celebrates and honors those who work on behalf of open education at UNC, including those who use Open Educational Resources (OER), advocate for OER, use open pedagogy, etc. 

The winner will receive a $250 professional development voucher, thanks to the support of the CETL, and an engraved plaque, thanks to SGA! 

The award is open to any faculty, staff, or graduate student in the UNC community, and ANYONE from the UNC community is welcome to nominate someone for this award. 

This video shows you how to find OER courses in the registration system. 

The truth of the matter is that some instructors won’t use OER unless they know their students want them. Here are some things you can do to support OER use at UNC:

Speak with your advisor and your instructors about OER. This is the most proactive step in getting OER implemented into your courses. If you want some specific language you can use in an email message, there are some examples below.

Vote with your course selection. By taking that already use OER you will not only get all the benefits of an OER course but will also let other instructors know that students are interested in classes that use OER! This video shows you how to find courses that use OER.

Mention OER in your course surveys at the end of the semester. If your instructor has used OER, give them kudos! If they didn't, politely point out how beneficial it would have been to have them. Tell them what it would have meant to have that money back in your pocket.

Spread the word. Most students are unaware that OER are an option. They don't know that there is an alternative to paying exorbitant amounts on class materials, and letting other students know helps create an environment of student choice and agency.

Sample Email Message to Your Advisor:

Dear [Advisor Name],

I am struggling to afford textbooks for my classes, and I recently learned about Open Educational Resources (OER) from the University Libraries.

OER are free, high-quality educational materials (including textbooks and other course materials) that can save students hundreds of dollars on textbook costs. Can you help me find courses that use OER to make my education more affordable?

If you’re not familiar with OER, this website has more information. 

I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

[Your Name]

Sample Email Message to Your Instructor:

Dear [Instructor Name],

I am a student in your [insert course name/number] and I’m struggling to afford textbooks for my classes. I recently learned about Open Educational Resources (OER) from the University Libraries.

OER are free, high-quality educational materials (including textbooks and other course materials) that can save students hundreds of dollars on textbook costs. Are you familiar with OER and other affordable alternatives to traditional course materials?

This website has more information if you’re not familiar with OER.

I appreciate your consideration. I imagine there are many students like me who struggle to afford the materials for their courses. 

Thanks,

[Your Name]