Open/Alternative Textbook Initiative
Since 2013, K-State's Open/Alternative Textbook Initiative (OATI) has saved students over $10 million. The initiative provides instructors with grants of up to $10,000 to replace expensive, traditional textbooks with open or alternative digital resources.
Initially funded by K-State Libraries, the Student Governing Association and K-State administration, the program is now funded through donor support and a portion of the $10 course fee.
Important deadlines
2023 grant application deadlines
- Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
OATI grant information sessions
The OATI panel will host information sessions in fall 2023. This is a great opportunity for instructors to learn about the open educational resources (OER) creation process and how to apply for funds to adopt or create their own open or alternative classroom materials and save students money. The sessions will also cover application requirements and selection criteria.
- Nov. 16, 2:30-3:30 p.m., in 111 Hale Library and via Zoom
- Nov. 29, 2:30-3:30 p.m., in 111 Hale Library and via Zoom
2023-2024 course fee application deadlines
Apply by Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 for spring 2024 courses, and by Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 for summer and fall 2024 courses.
How it works
The initiative provides grants between $2,000 and $10,000 to K-State faculty and instructors to help them develop or adopt alternatives to traditional print textbooks. Instead of purchasing traditional textbooks, students pay a small $10 course fee for the use of open or alternative materials.
The result is significant savings for K-State students and an incredible return on investment. For every $1,000 donated to the program, K-State has been able to save students a total of $8,000 overall. That is an 8:1 return on investment, and the program can achieve those returns every year.
Apply for the course fee
Already using open or alternative resources in your courses? You can apply to have the $10 fee applied to your course.
Ninety percent of the fee goes to the department, and 10 percent goes to the initiative to help fund future grants.
2023-2024 application deadlines
- Apply by Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 for spring 2024 courses
- Apply by Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 for summer and fall 2024 courses
Questions
Are you you excited about the idea of saving your students money, but don’t know where to start? We are here to help!
For questions about teaching with and implementing open or alternative resources, contact:
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Andy Bennett, Ph.D., department of mathematics: (785) 532-0562 or bennett@k-state.edu
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Brian Lindshield, Ph.D., department of food, nutrition, dietetics and health: (785) 532-7848 or blindsh@k-state.edu
For all other questions, contact the Center for the Advancement of Digital Scholarship at cads@k-state.edu.