Fall 2021 Affordable Content Grants: OER@UNO

UNO Libraries is excited to announce the next round of Affordable Content Grants @ UNO. This is a great opportunity to undertake a project that will help students while also allowing for increased customization of teaching materials for your course or courses. Dozens of UNO faculty have taken advantage of this program over the past three years. You can read about recent ACG recipients, Cameron Logsdon, Stephanie Larsen and Abbie Syrek, here.

Fall Deadline: October 1, 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 – Fall 2021 applications under Internal Competitions. Applicants who are interested in viewing the full grant rubric can visit our OER Research Guide. Grant funds will vary based on the scope of the project with $1,000-$2,500 for single section conversions and a maximum of $10,000 for large-scale, multi-section course conversions. Grant recipients will be notified by November 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?

An affordable content course is defined as costing students less than $40 in materials purchases. Most grantees convert their courses into a no-cost offering, using the many Open Educational Resources (OER) available, library eBooks and journal articles, free content available online, instructor created content, and more. However, some grantees transition their courses into a low-cost option. Both are welcome! For courses to qualify for the grant, total costs to students for an individual course must be less than the $40/semester amount.

Who Do I Contact for More Information?

Stephen Craig Finlay is our campus OER Librarian and would be happy to meet or answer questions by email (sfinlay@unomaha.edu) or phone (402.554.3211).