KPU expands course offerings that have zero textbook costs
The university estimates that students who opt for the ZTC degree program could save $5,000 over four years by exclusively using open-access course texts and library course reserves.
Degree options just got a little bit cheaper for students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Last fall, the B.C. university introduced a four-year bachelor’s program as part of its suite of Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) credentials and courses.
Students pursuing a BA in general studies will now have the option of choosing courses with reading lists made up entirely of free online texts, or texts widely available through library course reserves. Students in the program must complete 120 credits, or roughly 40 courses. The university estimates that students in the program who opt for all ZTC courses will save $5,000 over four years.
Read also: Publishers, universities struggle to provide timely access to accessible textbooks
KPU has long supported open-education resources as part of its mandate as an open-access university. The institution first adopted open textbooks in 2012, and now offers some 700 courses with open textbooks and other free course material. The BA joins six other ZTC credentials offered at KPU – two associate degrees, a diploma, two certificates and an adult graduation diploma. In a press release, KPU says that since 2017, students enrolled in ZTC courses and programs have saved over $3.1 million.
Rajiv Jhangiani, associate vice-provost of open education, says the university is working on bringing more degree programs under the ZTC umbrella.
Featured Jobs
- Dean, Faculty of Health StudiesBrandon University
- Director – Faculty Bargaining ServicesCanadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO)
- Education - (2) Assistant Professors (English Language Arts and TESL / Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning) (10-month term)Bishop's University
- Emergency Medical Services - Dr. Ron Stewart EMS Clinician Scientist Dalhousie University
- Creative and Cultural Industries - Assistant Professor (Fashion Studies and Cultures)Chapman University
More from News
-
Postsecondary education welcomes new government
Universities will be critical to economic growth, say leaders.
-
Judge overturns Quebec’s tuition hikes on out-of-province students
The decision is a partial victory for McGill and Concordia universities.
-
Responding to growing criticism of equity, diversity and inclusion policies
An interview with David Robinson, executive director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, which represents faculty, librarians and researchers at 125 postsecondary institutions.
-
An historic undertaking for Indigenous education in Quebec
Quebec’s first university by and for Indigenous Peoples in partnership with the First Nations Education Council and Quebec universities.
More from Campus news
-
Memorial med student makes art to assist classmates’ study
What started as a hobby is now helpful for both his degree and his fellow classmates.
-
UNBC prof developing toolkit to help women feel safe online
‘Digital rights is a very important form of gender equality.’
-
Laurier student’s art featured on a bus for Black History Month
The artist says her work’s impact is like a ripple in water.
-
Canada’s francophone universities: drivers of thriving communities
Despite challenges, Canadian universities in francophone minority settings actively contribute to their communities and the advancement of knowledge.
More from Articles
-
Sports administration: an academic boom in a challenging market
Canadian sports administration programs are proliferating, but questions arise about whether available training outstrips job prospects.
-
Five UM scholars named among Canada’s Most Powerful Women
‘I like to think that a powerful woman is one who has the wherewithal to bring out the best in those she leads, mentors, and serves.’
-
UCalgary postdoc studying how to protect cattle from pesky flies
Not just a nuisance, flies pose potential health and behavioural risks to cows.
-
A moment in time: Brock’s 60th anniversary time capsule
The university is hoping the time capsule will ‘send a message to future generations of Brock Badgers.’
Post a comment
University Affairs moderates all comments according to the following guidelines. If approved, comments generally appear within one business day. We may republish particularly insightful remarks in our print edition or elsewhere.