Application Process

Step 1: Email oer@uci.edu to confirm eligibility.

Step 2: Once eligibility is confirmed, complete the application form.

Step 3: If approved, attend an instructional workshop and start working on your OER transformation.

Email & Application

After initial consultation and confirmation of eligibility by email, applicants are asked to complete an application form. These are reviewed by a small committee to assess alignment with the initiative's objectives and to determine if the course is best served through this or other services and initiatives.

Applications are handled in the order they are received. Notification of application status (approved or denied) will be distributed to applicants within four 4 weeks or less of completed application receipt.

Since there are varying levels of OER which can co-exist in the same course, we value proposals that:

  • Create an OER that centers DEI diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
  • Convert existing texts to open resources.
  • Leverage library-owned resources to replace costly course materials.
  • Keep courses low cost (approximately $50 or less) or no cost.

Please note:

  • There is a rolling deadline (as funding permits).
  • Submitted application does not guarantee approval.
  • Financial support will be dispersed to associated research accounts.
  • Initiative-supported

Workshop

Each successful applicant will be asked to attend a one-hour Zoom workshop at which Library staff members introduce search strategies for possible open access or low cost instructional resources and brainstorm opportunities. Awardees will be paired with a subject area librarian, who will work one-on-one to assist with individual projects.

Award

The initiative will fund $1,500 for each course which undergoes this transformative process. Additional funds may be designated to build and create OER material.

Post-Award

At the conclusion of each awarded course, the instructor is asked to:

  1. Distribute an online survey to students to assess the impact of using OER resources as opposed to traditional
  2. textbooks.
  3. Complete an instructor assessment to determine the initiative’s pedagogical and financial impact.