Affordable Learning Solutions Faculty Programs

Academic Technology Services is offering the following faculty programs to support the integration of low-cost learning materials into their courses as part of the CSULB Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$) partnership.

Course Materials Integration Program

(Stipend Track)

Registration is now closed for the Fall 2024 semester. Spring 2025 dates will be posted soon!

  • September 9-20: Registration opens 
  • September 23-27:  Committee selects applicants
  • September 30:  Participants are notified 
  • October 7: Program begins; Orientation meeting (strongly recommended)
  • December 13: Course ends; deliverables are due

The AL$ Course Materials Integration program assists faculty in converting their courses to Zero Cost Course Materials (ZCCM) or low-cost courses. 

By completing the 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 create an e-portfolio site to present their course and be invited to attend a Faculty Showcase Event (Spring 2025) highlighting their amazing work.

  1. Review the application questions on this document: AL$ Course Materials Integration Application Example [docx]. This document is provided to aid you in preparing for some of the lengthier questions on the application form. Feel free to write up your draft answers on the document.
  2. Submit the online application at the link below:

AL$ Course Materials Integration Application

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! 

 

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

  1. Attend a mandatory 30-minute kickoff meeting with your assigned instructional designer.
  2. Complete the self-paced course by December 13, 2024; review all course content and score of 85% or above on all module quizzes.
  3. Attend 2 AL$ Live Workshops (see below for schedule).
  4. Attend a mandatory consultation meeting with your paired Instructional Designer and Librarian. 
  5. Submit the AL$ Questionnaire using our provided template; see example [PDF].
  6. Build a digital MERLOT AL$ Adoption Showcase by December 13, 2024 (see details in the course for showcase expectations); see the example.

AL$ Self-Paced Canvas Course

(Digital Badge Track)

AL$ Self-Paced Course Registration

  • Program Dates: October 7- December 13, 2024 
  • Open enrollment; sign up for the course anytime during the program dates

AL$ Self-Paced Course is intended to prepare you to shift your course materials to either Low-Cost or Zero-Cost Course. By completing this course, you have the option to receive three badges: Low-Cost Course Badge and/or Zero-Cost Course Badge or both. Most importantly, this course will make you an agent of change at CSU Long Beach.  

Faculty enrolled in the self-paced course will learn about Open Education Resource (OER’s), CSULB equitable access programs, the impact of low cost or zero cost materials have on students, and basic copyright and creative commons licenses for open educational resources. This self-paced course provides participants three different pathways where they can earn a badge for the following: 

  • Zero-cost course material faculty badge 
  • Low- cost course material faculty badge      
  • Zero-cost and low cost course material faculty badge 

  1. Complete the self-paced course by December 13, 2024.
  2. Review all course content and score of 85% or above on all module quizzes. 

Live Workshops

Visit ATS Events and Workshops for the full list of offerings.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

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 September 30 by email. 

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 for the Affordable Learning: Integrating OERs into Your Curriculum  workshop, the other two workshops are specifically relevant to participants of the AL$ Course Materials Integration Program.