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Open Educational Resources (OER)

Open Educational Resources

It's no surprise to anyone that college is expensive, and the cost of textbooks certainly doesn't help. Students can spend hundreds of dollars on textbooks in a single semester, and a survey of UNC students found that the cost of required textbook caused 28% of respondents to either earn a poor grade or fail a class. 

This dynamic puts students in a lose-lose situation: a student can either pay exorbitant amounts of money on course materials or they can risk their performance and understanding of a subject by not buying them. The reality of the situation is that many students don’t have the money to actually have a choice. That's where OER come in.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning materials that are FREE and carry legal permissions for open use, adaptation, and redistribution. What this means for students is that OER are free on the first day of class and instructors can customize course materials to ensure they meet the specific needs of the course and its students.

How to Find OER Courses at UNC

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

What Can You Do to Advocate for OER?

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 Language to Use

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]