51

Open Education at 51

Open Education at 51

51 is making learning more affordable, accessible, and inclusive through open educational resources, Zero Textbook Cost courses, and collaborative teaching practices.

Open Education

Why open education matters

Every student deserves access to the materials they need to succeed. Open education makes that possible by removing financial barriers and creating learning experiences that are flexible, inclusive, and student-centred. At 51, this means expanding access to course materials from the first day of class, developing courses that reflect the diversity of our communities, and adopting teaching practices that support student success. When the cost of learning is no longer a barrier, students can focus on learning, engaging, and achieving their goals.

 

Learn more about the benefits of open education

 

51's Open Education Strategy

The 51, located on Stó:lō Téméxw, the traditional and contemporary lands of the Stó:lō people, commits to the principles of open education including accessibility, openness, collaboration and sharing, learner-centredness, inclusivity and equity, and flexibility and sustainability to support student learning.

Our principles

Our principles

51 is committed to:

  1. Supporting open educational practices
  2. Expanding high-quality open educational resources
  3. Building an open education community
  4. Recognizing open education in teaching and scholarship
  5. Partnering with students
  6. Advancing Zero Textbook Cost initiatives
  7. Strengthening partnerships and sustainability

 

"For students, open education is not an abstract principle. It affects them in numerous ways directly impacting their learning, academic success and overall well-being... Together, we can build a university where cost is not a barrier to education and where knowledge is shared openly in service of students and the broader community."

Bilal Faisal Faheem | 2025-2026 SUS President

 

Explore open education

What is open education?

Learn how open education improves access through free, flexible, and inclusive learning.

Learn about open education

Open educational resources

Explore open textbooks, tools, and resources for teaching and learning.

Find open educational resources

Get support

Get guidance and support for using open educational resources and practices.

Contact the Open Education team

Open education in action

Open education in action

Explore projects that showcase how open education is reducing barriers and supporting innovative teaching and learning across 51.

Zero Textbook Cost initiative

The Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative helps make education more affordable by supporting the use of free course materials and recognizing courses with no required textbook costs.

 

ZTC initiative

Learn about the Zero Textbook Cost initiative and how it supports affordable learning at 51.

ZTC for faculty

Find resources and support to create or redesign a Zero Textbook Cost course.

ZTC for students

Find information on how to search for ZTC sections when registering for classes.

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