The price of a college degree continues to rise. In addition to tuition and fees, course materials, such as textbooks, add to the cost of a student’s education.
In January 2018, the University’s Student Government Board passed a resolution supporting expanded use of Open Educational Resources (OER) and open textbooks as an alternative to expensive textbooks and to decrease the burden of student textbook costs.
In response to the resolution and with an eye on textbook affordability at Pitt, a standing committee was formed.
What Is an Open Educational Resource?
Open Educational Resources (OER) are any format of teaching, learning, and research materials that are no-cost and have been released under an open license.
Open Textbooks are just one example of OER, where experts author texts in their respective disciplines, making them freely available in digital format or providing an option for an at-cost print version.
For more information, see the University Library System Guide on Open Educational Resources.
Info for Students
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For Instructors
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Who is the Provost’s Standing Committee on OER?
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What are examples of OER use in Pitt courses?
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What does Pitt do to support reducing student textbook costs?
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