University of Houston Libraries is now accepting applications for the UH Alternative Textbook Incentive Program (ATIP). As part of the University’s initiative to help mitigate the high cost of textbooks for students, the incentive program will award UH instructors who adopt, modify, or create an open or alternative textbook in their courses.

UPDATED DEADLINE: Instructors are encouraged to apply to ATIP by October 22, 2021. Awards of between $1,000 and $5,000 will be made based on the estimated financial impact for students, projected student impact, and overall feasibility of the proposal.

Open educational resources (OER) offer an alternative to the problem of expensive textbooks for students. Studies* show that 65% of college students skip buying textbooks due to the cost. By shifting to freely accessible and openly licensed teaching and learning tools, including textbooks, more students will have access to course materials, allowing them to be prepared for class on the first day, stay enrolled in the course, and perform better on course assignments. 

UH faculty are encouraged to attend an upcoming information session to learn about the incentive program and the benefits of alternative textbooks. Ariana Santiago, open educational resources coordinator, is available by appointment to discuss implementing open textbooks in the classroom and the support provided through the incentive program.

Please contact us at oer@uh.edu for more information.

*Fixing the Broken Textbook Market: Third Edition

Textbook Broke: Textbook Affordability as a Social Justice Issue

2018 Student Textbook and Course Materials Survey