Open Educational Resources (OER)

ZTC at Mt. SAC

What is ZTC?

Have you heard of a ZTC class? On January 1, 2018, California made it a requirement for all Community Colleges and California State Universities to identify in their class schedule which sections use zero-textbook-cost (ZTC) materials so that students would know which classes have textbooks that are available online for free. 

The ZTC degree and certificate model broadens that goal to developing and implementing an entire degree or certificate program in which students could have a path to graduation without any instructional materials costs. ZTC efforts usually involve replacing conventional textbooks or other for-sale course materials with open educational resources and other no-cost materials, such as library resources.

The Library Initiative of Equitable and Affordable Learning (LIEAL) is currently managing Phase 1 of the new ZTC grant, which was a noncompetitive grant aimed at developing and implementing a ZTC degree or certificate program. In coordination with the Grants Office, we have developed a strategic plan and timeline to support campus-wide efforts to ensure equitable access to educational materials and resources for our students for a fully ZTC pathway. As a part of Phase 1, LIEAL is assisting interested Programs with their applications for Phase 2, or Acceleration Grant, monies.

Breaking down the new grant program:

The current ZTC grant has 3 Phases:

• Phase 1 (Planning): Each campus received $20,000 in funding during AY 2022-23 for planning of at least 1 ZTC degree or certificate pathway.
• Phase 2 (Acceleration): Awards up to $200,000 for each ZTC program pathway implemented. Detailed proposals are required. 
• Phase 3 (Implementation): Connected to Phase 1, which would grant campus up to $180,000 additional monies to further implement the ZTC program. Detailed proposals are required.

ZTC efforts are not new. California launched its ZTC degree initiative in 2016 with a $5 million appropriation. The 2016 pilot successfully developed 37 ZTC pathways encompassing 404 courses across 19 colleges, each pathway offering the potential to save students up to $700 per year according to the chancellor’s 2019 report (SPARC). Increased success rates were observed for all students in classes using OER or zero-cost materials, especially for minoritized students and students who received Pell grants (California ZTC Degree - CCCOER).

FAQs:

1. Is there compensation involved with these grants?

• Yes, the Acceleration grants can pay for things like instructor compensation, professional development, technical support, etc.

2. Can adjunct participate in this project?

• Yes, adjuncts can participate!

Want more information or have questions? Please contact Esteban Aguilar, Mt. SAC's Librarian ZTC Coordinator at eaguilar100@mtsac.edu.