Spring 2026, Resolution Number 105.02
Whereas, In response to Resolution 114.04 F25 “Developing a Consistent Method for Calculating Student Cost Savings Resulting from Open Educational Resources Adoption,” [1] the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has consulted with system partners to research and develop a standardized method for calculating student savings resulting from the adoption of open educational resources and course sections achieving zero textbook cost status by other means to be considered by local academic senates at the Spring 2026 Plenary Session;
Whereas, Some institutions and States use a “general estimate” approach to calculate the cost savings from adopting open educational resources, with the Midwest Higher Education Compact noting that many use $100.00 as a general estimate and that the Open Education Network adopted $100.00 because it simplifies calculations and falls near the midpoint of both materials cost estimates and student-reported spending estimates [2];
Whereas, A limited analysis of representative courses in the California community colleges found that half of the Phase I Common Course Numbering Courses (COMM-C1000, ENGL-C1000, and ENGL-C1001) had average costs ranging from $63.77 – $78.87, while the other half (POLS-C1000, PSYC-C1000, STAT-C1000) ranged from $100.75 – $143.50, suggesting that $100 is a reasonable value that does not over-estimate savings as the number of courses with average costs below $100.00 are not far below and most courses are above $100 and often considerably above; and
Whereas, Calculating the cost savings associated with the adoption of open educational resources and the establishment of zero textbook cost sections through library resources and other purchases is essential to advocating for funds, and establishing a recommended standard provides local advocates with a simple mechanism for doing such calculations;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges recommend a simple, transparent, systemwide method for estimating student cost savings from the establishment of zero textbook cost course sections using the formula: [student enrollments in qualifying sections] × $100.00 = estimated student cost savings as a standardized measure to reduce reporting burden and enable comparisons; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges develop guidance for calculating student cost savings resulting from the adoption of open educational resources and the establishment zero textbook cost courses sections, provide data to support the use of a systemwide method for doing so, and note the circumstances in which using a per enrollment estimate for calculating the savings associated with zero textbook cost course sections is not warranted.
1. Resolution 114.04 F25 Developing a Consistent Method for Calculating Student Cost Savings Resulting from Open Educational Resources Adoption
2. Zaback, K. (2022). Toward convergence: Creating clarity to drive more consistency in understanding the benefits and costs of OER (ED623683). Midwestern Higher Education Compact. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED623683.pdf