Spring 2021 Affordable Content Grants: OER@UNO Applications Now Available
Spring deadlines for grant applications are approaching. Full and part-time faculty who are interested in converting their courses from traditionally published materials to low or no cost materials are invited to apply.
Spring Deadline: February 15, 2021
Applications are now available in the NuRamp system! To apply, log in to the system using your NetID. You can find the Affordable Content Grants: OER@UNO – Spring 2021 applications under Internal Competitions. Applicants who are interested in viewing the full grant rubric can visit our OER Research Guide. Grantees will receive $2,500 for the utilization of affordable content. Grant recipients will be notified by March 1, 2021.
Who Can Apply?
Full- or part-time faculty who are interested in converting their courses from traditionally published materials to low or no cost materials are eligible to apply. We continue to encourage faculty who are interested in converting their general education curriculum to apply as well.
Why is Affordable Content Important?
In addition to the financial benefits for students, affordable content encourages a level playing field in which all students have access to materials on the first day of class. There is also research that indicates OER can help with retention and GPA, while increasing opportunities for creative pedagogical approaches.
What is Affordable Content?
Affordable Content is anything that is no cost to students. This can include any of the vast OER resources available, library eBooks and journal articles, free content available online, content you’ve created, and more! In order for courses to qualify for the grant, total costs to students must be less than $40/semester.
Affordable Content in STEM
STEM classes are a great place to incorporate affordable content. As a result of historically high prices in traditionally published STEM textbooks, there are many OER and Affordable Content options to choose from and student savings can add up quickly! We’ve had any STEM successes right here at UNO including JJ Conrad and Josh Darr converting their General Chemistry I classes, Zac Suriano authoring his own Geography 1050 lab manual, and Kristen Johnson and Katie Shirazi adopting an open lab manual for their Microbiology courses.
Who Do I Contact for More Information?
Tonya Ferrell is the campus OER Coordinator and is happy to meet or answer questions about affordable content and the grants by email (tferrell@unomaha.edu) or phone (402.554.3924).