Beginning with the Spring 2022 semester, campuses at the University of Nebraska System will pilot a new course attribute in PeopleSoft and the searchable web-based course schedules. The three attributes listed below were proposed to Information Technology Services by the 2020-21 NU Student Regents and a group of Student Government representatives from each campus. Course attributes allow students and their parents/guardians to see which NU courses use free or reduced-cost digital course materials at the time of registration so as to make well-informed choices. Course marking has the strong support of UNK, UNL and UNO Student Governments and Faculty Senates.
Open Nebraska Courses & Programs at the University of Nebraska
No Cost Materials: These digital course materials are incorporated into Canvas at no additional cost to the student. No book purchase required.
Low Cost Materials: These digital course materials are incorporated into Canvas and cost students less than $40. No book purchase required.
Low Cost E-Book: This reduced-cost eBook is purchased through the campus bookstore and costs a student less than $40.
Reduced-Cost Digital Course Materials
The cost of traditional textbooks has increased 88% in the last decade, so much so that 67% of students no longer can afford to buy required textbooks for their courses. As the COVID- 19 pandemic arrived in 2020, the University of Nebraska aimed to increase student affordability by supporting faculty in adopting free or reduced-cost digital course materials in their courses.
Collaborative efforts for utilizing Open Educational Resources (OER) and Inclusive First Day Access eBook programs have saved NU students over $9 million as of Spring 2022. Our goal is to save NU students $10 million by 2023.