Affordable Learning Solutions Faculty Programs

This program is full for the Spring 2024 semester!  Consider taking the Self-Paced Course (below) instead.
Stay tuned for more opportunities in the Fall term.

The AL$ Course Materials Integration program aims to assist faculty in converting their courses to Zero Cost Course Materials (ZCCM) or low-cost courses. By completing a self-paced course and attending hands-on workshops, faculty will be introduced to Open Educational Resources (OER), CSU Library Resources/Open Access Content, Immediate Access Programs, and Equitable Access/Flat-Fee Programs. To conclude the program, participants will submit an e-portfolio site to present their course and be invited to attend a Faculty Showcase Event (Fall 2024) highlighting their amazing work.

Stipend and Digital Badge Requirements

After completing the program, participants will receive a $500 stipend, a digital badge, and will be featured on the CSULB Affordable Learning Solutions website. 

• Complete the self-paced course by May 31, 2024; review all course content and score of 85% or above on all module quizzes.
• Attend 2 AL$ Live Workshops (see below for schedule).
• Pair with an Instructional Designer and Librarian. 
• Submit an AL$ Adoption Showcase (see details in course) by June 7, 2024. 
• Complete the anonymous program evaluation survey.

Applicant Selection Criteria

• Intrinsic Motivation: We seek faculty members who are genuinely motivated to assist students in reducing the cost of course materials. 
• Commitment to Affordability: We value faculty members who prioritize affordability when selecting course materials. 
• Large Enrollment Courses: We are interested in faculty who teach courses with substantial student enrollment. 
• Addressing Low Grades: We are particularly interested in faculty members whose courses experience a high rate of D’s, F’s, or Withdrawals. 
• Lower Division Undergraduate Course Instructors: We are looking for faculty who teach Lower Division/Undergraduate Courses. 
• Managing Course Material Costs: Lastly, we appreciate faculty who handle courses with high course material costs. 

We encourage all faculty to apply even if some of these criteria do not align with your current situation. Your passion and unique perspective can make a valuable impact! 

Course Dates: April 8 - May 31, 2024  |  Deadline to Earn Badge: May 31, 2024

• This track is open to all CSULB faculty and staff but does NOT include a stipend.
• Participants will earn a digital badge after completing the following requirements by May 31, 2024:
  • Review all of the course content.
  • Score 85% or above on all course module quizzes.

Course Registration: ALS Self-Paced Canvas Course

In approximately 2 business days, the course will be assigned to your Canvas account and you can begin immediately.

Engage with faculty, librarians, instructional designers, and other campus communities to learn more about how AL$ can impact students.  These workshops are open to all CSULB faculty and staff. Recordings will be available approximately one week after the workshop is presented on the ATS MediaSpace site.

NOTE: No stipends or digital badges will be awarded for attending workshops.

Exploring Zero-Cost Course Materials with a CSULB Librarian 

Identify Zero-Cost Resources at the University Library   
Tuesday, April 16, 2024  |  10-11am  |  REGISTER  

Tracey Mayfield, CSULB Librarian, and Roger Strang, ATS Instructional Designer, will give an overview of zero-cost library materials available for students. We will review the advantages of using library materials in your classes, share some popular examples, and demonstrate how to integrate online materials into your Canvas course. 

Reduce Learning Cost to Reduce Learning Gap 

Zero to Low-Cost Learning Content Offered at CSULB 
Tuesday, April 23, 2024  |  10-11am  |  REGISTER

In this workshop, we'll introduce the CSU Affordable Learning Solutions program and its goal to provide  students with zero to low-cost learning content. We'll also highlight the CSULB Equitable Access program, "Day One Textbook Access (D1TA)," which gives students access to all their required textbooks at one price, on the first day of classes each semester. Starting in Fall 2024, students will arrive on campus with day-one access to all their textbooks via Canvas.

AL$: Smart College Savings  

Adopting OERs and Affordable Learning Solutions 
Thursday, May 9, 2024  |  11am-12pm  |  REGISTER

Would you like to make your course materials more affordable and accessible to your students? Do you lack the time and expertise to find and evaluate alternatives to expensive textbooks? In this workshop, participants will be introduced to Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$) and Open Educational Resources (OERs).  With the guidance of a Librarian Educator/AL$ Ambassador, participants will explore OERs in MERLOT and learn tips on how to search, evaluate, and integrate these no-cost quality learning materials into one’s curriculum.

How the University Library and ATS Help Faculty Identify AL$/OER Content 

Monday, May 13, 2024  |  10-11am  |  REGISTER
Presenter: Chad Harris   |  Co-Presenter: Tracey Mayfield 

This workshop will present how ATS Instructional Designers collaborate with professionals at the CSULB Library to support faculty in converting their course materials to low- or zero-cost alternatives, including free Online Educational Resources (OERs) and searchable databases. We will also review how faculty can request consultations and support for this process. 

What type of faculty is eligible to apply for the AL$ Course Materials Integration Program?
All faculty types are welcome to apply.

When will I be notified if I’m selected for the AL$ Course Materials Integration Program?
Selected participants will be notified by the end of March 29, 2024, or sooner.

Can faculty or staff register for the AL$ Live Workshops or AL$ Self-Paced Canvas Course?
Yes, faculty or staff can register for workshops or the self-paced course.

Can I register for the AL$ Live Workshops if I am not part of the AL$ Course Materials Integration Program?
Yes, we encourage all faculty or staff to register.