Textbook Transformation Project Overview

What kind of course material are you using?

ZTC : Zero Textbook Cost

Course uses materials (textbooks, workbooks, articles, library resources, software/hardware, supplies, etc.) that are free to users. Total material costs for the course are $0.

Course materials that are open access through Creative Commons, OER, and courses that have no assigned materials fall under the ZTC model.

LCT: Low-Cost Textbooks

Course uses materials where the combined total cost of all required materials (textbooks, workbooks, articles, library resources, software/hardware, supplies, etc.) is $50 or less.

Traditional Textbook Model

(Textbooks &/Or Materials Above $50)

Course uses materials (textbooks, workbooks, manuals, software/hardware, supplies, homework websites, etc.) that amount to a total cost $50.

Barriers to Access

(Access Codes/Publisher Subscriptions)

Course uses material through an access code/publisher subscription that allows access during a set period of time. If a student needs to pay fees to access a software platform to do coursework or homework, this counts as a cost. This does not fall under the "ZTC" model because they inherently create barriers to information.

The Textbook Transformation Project has two ultimate goals:

  1. To create ZTC degree pathways, to help students fulfill general education without material costs.
  2. To support faculty in intentionally aligning many of our campus-wide equity initiatives, including:
    • Utilizing ZTC/LCT to advocate for the success, retention, and generational achievement of students of color and all students.
    • Selecting and creating accessible course materials.
    • Presenting a diverse representation of voices
    • Building in equity-based assessment tools by integrating ACEs/ILOs
    • Building material that meets the Universal Design of learning to facilitate a student-centered approach
    • Having materials that are transitional between multiple modalities.

Textbook transformation project impact diagram

TTP COHORT 1 COURSES

The first Cohort of Textbook Transformation Project courses were chosen because they represent the highest impacted student enrollments. These departments have made ZTC/LCT commitments in support of equitable and successful outcomes for students, particularly those from historically excluded and/or disproportionately impacted communities. Cohort #1 includes BIOL 20, COMSTD 2, ENGL 1A, MATH 25, PSYCH 1, SOC 10, SPAN 1, GUID 2 AND GUID 3.