One of the main benefits of Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses is that they can help reduce financial barriers for students by eliminating the cost of required course materials.
There is no single approach to creating a ZTC course. Faculty across disciplines use a combination of open educational resources (OER), library resources, instructor-created materials, and other freely available content to support student learning.
Whether you're ready to designate a course as ZTC or simply exploring ways to reduce costs for students, we're here to help.
Need help exploring ZTC options for your course? Contact the Open Education Team »
Why consider making your course ZTC?
Designating a course as Zero Textbook Cost can benefit both students and instructors.
ZTC courses can:
- Reduce financial barriers and improve access to learning
- Increase transparency around educational costs during registration
- Support student retention and graduation
- Provide opportunities to use OER, library resources, and other flexible teaching materials
- Allow instructors to adapt and customize course content to meet the needs of their students
Interested in learning more? Explore research, success stories, and myth-busting resources through the
What materials can be used in a ZTC course?
A course may be designated as ZTC when students are not required to purchase textbooks, required readings, access codes, or homework systems.
This can be achieved using:
- Open educational resources (OER)
- 51污漫 Library resources
- Instructor-created materials
- Other freely available online resources
Is there a ZTC policy at 51污漫?
No. The purpose of the ZTC initiative is to provide transparency around course material costs so students can make informed decisions during registration.
There is no policy requiring instructors to make their courses ZTC. Rather, the initiative encourages faculty to consider whether no-cost course materials may be appropriate for their courses and beneficial to their students.
51污漫's Open Education Strategy includes a commitment to advancing the Zero Textbook Cost initiative through the use of open educational resources and other no-cost materials that support equitable access, inclusivity, and affordability.
How do I have my course identified as Zero Textbook Cost?
To identify your course as Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC):
- Notify your school or department coordinator that your course is ZTC.
- Your coordinator will mark the course as ZTC during the Department Course Update (DCU) process.
- Once approved, your course will be identified as ZTC in the
- If possible, notify the 51污漫 Bookstore that your course is ZTC and provide details about the learning resources being used.
- Questions about ZTC course markings in Banner can be directed to scheduling@ufv.ca
What if my course can't be ZTC right now?
Not every course can be designated as ZTC, and that's okay. There are still many ways to reduce costs and improve access for students.
You may wish to:
- Connect with your liaison librarian to explore available library resources
- Use the Library Course Resource Service to identify materials already available through 51污漫 Library
- Work with Teaching and Learning to align course materials and teaching practices
- Join the Open Education Working Group to learn about funding opportunities and projects
- Discuss course materials with colleagues and department leaders
- Gather feedback from students about the effectiveness and affordability of course resources
