Resolution 2023-F6-3003

Support of Creating and Adopting Open Educational Resources

Chief Sponsor(s): President Matthew Almendras, Director Haider “Asa” Asad, Representative
Khrystyna Somik, Representative Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu
WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government advocates for ensuring an affordable cost of
attendance for students at the University of Illinois - Chicago; and,
WHEREAS, textbooks are one of the most expensive out-of-pocket costs a student can pay for; and,
WHEREAS, in a 2021, a study conducted by the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) found that
67% of students surveyed have skipped purchasing their required textbooks; and,
WHEREAS, in a 2023 US PIRG report finds that “Every dollar invested in OER Grants can save
students $10 – $20 dollars” and that “Grant Programs started during the pandemic have already saved
students more than $2.5 million dollars”; and,
WHEREAS, in 2021 USG provided additional $10,000 of funding to the Open Textbook Faculty
Incentive Program that increased the overall funding from $20,000 to $30,000, which saved students a
collective $260,000, presenting a strong return of investment; and,
WHEREAS, funding and support for the Open Textbook Faculty Incentive Program was discontinued
despite its proven success in saving students money; then,
LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government calls for the following to address
high textbook costs:
I. The reestablishment of the Open Textbook Faculty Incentive Program.
II. A task force to be created composed of UIC faculty, administrators, USG members, and students
to assess the support, adoption, and education of OER.
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Office of the
Chancellor, Office of the Provost, Offices of College Deans and Department Heads, the UIC Senate, and
other relevant offices and departments for discussion and consideration.