ZTC Listserv Communications - ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

We are archiving all communications that are sent from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and the ZTC Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) using the ZTC listserv. Subscribe to the ZTC listserv.

December 11, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Open Licensing Office Hour this Friday

Hi everyone,

The ZTC Technical Assistance team is continuing to host OER Licensing Open Office Hours.

When developing ZTC pathways using OER, you might encounter questions about open licensing such as Creative Commons licenses. During this OER Licensing Open Office Hour, pose those questions to Jonathan Poritz, veteran faculty member, multiple-OER author, and experienced facilitator of the Creative Commons certificate program.

Bring your questions or just drop by to learn from the informal conversation about all-things-open licensing!

Our next session is:

Friday, December 13, 12-1 pm
https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/89634904650
Meeting ID: 896 3490 4650

Thanks!

November 21, 2024 – Subject: Remediated ZTC Progress & Expenditure 2024 Report slide deck and ZTC Office Hour reminder

Good Morning ZTC Colleagues:

Attached, please find the remediated ZTC Progress & Expenditure 2024 Report’s slides to accompany the ZTC Progress & Expenditure 2024 Report Webinar.

One more reminder: the November and December ZTC Office Hour dates and times are provided below:

Friday, November 22, 2024 9:00am – 10:00am
Friday, December 13, 2024 9:00am – 10:00am

The Zoom link for these alternative dates’ meetings is the same as our standard ZTC Office Hour Zoom meetings.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

November 19, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Success Stories!

Congratulations to West LA College for the positive news coverage of their ZTC efforts: West LA College Expands Zero-Cost Textbook Programs with $600K Grant.

Please do follow the wonderful example of our colleagues at West LA College and share the successes of your ZTC programs. Thanks to longtime OER and ZTC champions at The Michelson 20MM Foundation (in partnership with the ASCCC OERI), you can share your success stories and lay the foundation of future advocacy.

Looking to the future of ZTC degrees, educating policymakers and other statewide leaders on the efforts and successes from the past few years will be critical in creating long term sustainability for the program. Whether you created a new textbook that saved students money, designed a degree pathway that improved student outcomes, held an event that uplifted faculty and student voices, or have a personal story to share—let us hear about it! Your success stories can inspire others, drive further open educational resources (OER) adoption in the California Community Colleges (CCC) system and build support across the state.

Share your story at: ZTC Success Story Project.

Thank you!

James

November 15, 2024 – Subject: Reminder: alternative ZTC Office hour dates

Good Morning ZTC Colleagues:

Just a reminder that we have alternative ZTC Office Hour dates for November and December due to the final Fridays of these months occurring on holidays and off-contract dates. The November and December ZTC Office Hour dates and times are provided below:

Friday, November 22, 2024 9:00am – 10:00am
Friday, December 13, 2024 9:00am – 10:00am

The Zoom link for these alternative dates’ meetings is the same as our standard ZTC Office Hour Zoom meetings. Please make note to update your calendars accordingly.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

October 25, 2024 – Subject: FW: Exciting News! Spring CVC @ONE LGBTQ+ Course Opens in Catalog on Monday!

LGBTQ+ Initiatives & Student Support. Foundation for California Community Colleges.

California Community Colleges. California Virtual Campus Online Network of Educators.

LGBTQ+ Student Success: Identity, Intersectionality, and Advocacy in Education
Dear Colleague,

We are beyond excited to announce that our spring 2025 California Virtual Campus @ONE free course LGBTQ+ Student Success: Identity, Intersectionality, and Advocacy in Education will be available for registration beginning on Monday, October 28th!

After the overwhelming interest in the fall, we’re thrilled to offer another opportunity for you to participate in this transformative learning experience. Mark your calendars and be ready—this highly anticipated course is expected to fill up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to join us for the spring session!

Key Details
– Course Opens for Registration: Monday, October 28^th
– Course Dates: 02/03/25 – 03/02/25
Time Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week, totaling 40 hours
Course Outcomes:By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Develop an understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, within historical and contemporary contexts.
Analyze the impact of intersectionality on LGBTQ+ student experiences, particularly in relation to mental health disparities and basic needs challenges.
Implement culturally competent practices and actionable strategies to foster inclusive and supportive educational environments for LGBTQ+ students.
Understand and apply key legal protections and policy frameworks that support LGBTQ+ students’ rights and advocate for affirmative policies in educational institutions.
Cultivate ongoing professional development in LGBTQ+ advocacy and allyship, equipping yourself with the tools to respond effectively to bias and discrimination.

Visit the CVC @ONE Course Catalog on Monday to Register!
We look forward to your participation and thank you for your commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments in our community college system.

Sincerely,
CCC LGBTQ+ Team
pridesupport@foundationccc.org

October 23, 2024 – Subject: FW: Join us! Call for Proposals | 2025 CCC LGBTQ+ Summit

Ashlee Dutra

Senior Project Specialist, Conferences and Events
Foundation for California Community Colleges

October 16, 2024 – Subject: FW: ASCCC OERI: Register Today for the OERI Regional Events!

• ASCCC OERI Regional Meeting – Introduction to Remixing and Open Homework Systems •

The OERI, in collaboration with Chabot College and Santa Ana College, is pleased to announce regional professional development opportunities for those who intend to remix open educational resources in the LibreTexts platform and create openly-licensed assessments. Those who support this work are also invited to attend.

Attendees of these in-person events will be introduced to – and actively interact with – LibreTexts, the LibreTexts Remixer, and the ADAPT Open Homework System.

Registration is now open. A light breakfast will be served and lunch will be provided. To defray costs, a registration fee of $25 will be charged. Space is limited.

October 15, 2024 – Subject: FW: 2025 CCC LGBTQ+ Summit | Save the Date

October 8, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Activities scheduled for remainder of Fall 2024

Dear ZTC Colleagues:

We are moving toward the mid-point of the Fall 2024 semester, and I want to make you aware of important dates/times related to the ZTC Degree Grant Program for the remainder of the academic term. Below, I have provided information and links that will be helpful to have on your calendar:

Oct 11, 12pm – 1pm Open Licensing Office Hour Q & A session
Oct 25, 9am – 10am ZTC Office Hour
Oct 28 Planned date to open ZTC Progress and Expenditure Report in NOVA
Nov 4, 12pm – 1pam ZTC Progress and Expenditure Report Overview Webinar
Nov 4, 1pm – 2pm OER Library Open Office Hour
Nov 8, 12pm – 1pm Open Licensing Office Hour Q & A Session
Nov 15*, 9am – 10am ZTC Office Hour – alternate date
Dec 13*, 9am – 10am ZTC Office Hour – alternate date
Dec 13, 12pm – 1pm Open Licensing Office Hour Q & A Session
Dec 31 Final date to submit ZTC Progress and Expenditure Report in NOVA

* denotes alternate meeting date due to holidays

Please note: the ZTC Progress and Expenditure Report Overview Webinar should be attended by the college’s staff who support data acquisition and reporting. This could include Institutional Research staff, Instructional Office staff, the ZTC lead and supporting ZTC personnel who will support data collection requirements for the college.

I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming sessions and events.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

October 7, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Progress and Expenditure Report 2024 Overview (Webinar 11/4)

Dear Colleagues:

Please join us for a webinar: an overview of the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Degree Grant Progress and Expenditure Reports that are due by December 31, 2024. OER/ZTC leads, administrators overseeing ZTC efforts, researchers and other contributors to data reporting for the ZTC Degree Grant Program are invited to attend. Attendees will receive guidance on how to accurately complete and submit the 2024 ZTC Progress and Expenditure Reports and how to satisfy the college data reporting requirements. We have assembled a panel of key individuals who will provide important information regarding this year’s ZTC progress report:

Chad Funk, Program Manager for the ZTC Degree Grant Program (CCCCO), will provide an overview of the report sections in NOVA and clarify expenditure information that will be required.
Alyssa Nguyen, The RP Group Senior Director of Research and Evaluation, will discuss the required academic program and course-level information that will be collected, as well as an explanation for how MIS data will be cross-walked for colleges to meet ZTC reporting outcomes.
James Glapa-Grossklag, Dean of Educational Technology at College of the Canyons and Technical Assistance Provider for the ZTC Degree Grant Program, will discuss how ZTC data collection help will inform support to colleges in their ZTC efforts, as well as how ZTC data will ultimately inform final legislative report.

Webinar Information

Topic: ZTC Progress and Expenditure Report 2024

Date: Monday, November 4, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM PST

Zoom Registration Link: Webinar Registration – Zoom

This webinar is your opportunity to ensure that your college ZTC data is submitted accurately. Don’t miss out—register now to receive this valuable information!

Warm regards,

James

September 30, 2024 – Subject: FW: AI Professional Learning Community (PLC): Playlab AI & UC Berkeley School of Education

Dear Colleagues,

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has collaborated with PlayLab AI and the UC Berkeley School of Education to provide an exciting pilot opportunity for educators to create impactful AI-powered tools to enhance the teaching experience, improve student learning, and complete administrative tasks.

The project is seeking faculty, classified professionals, and administrators who are excited to engage with PlayLab, an AI-powered platform that allows users to create custom bots to provide tailored solutions that will support student needs, enhance educational outcomes, and support administrative efforts. Please forward this email to your campus colleagues to help build awareness of this opportunity.

Information and Interest Form

A three-week AI Professional Learning Community (PLC) will be offered on the following dates and times: Tuesdays, October 15th, 22nd, and 29^th from 6:00-8:00pm. The PLC will focus on:

Onboarding and training faculty, classified professionals, and administrators to use PlayLab.
Provide participants with the skills to run their own workshops and onboard others into the platform.
Support educators in creating and deploying AI-driven solutions tailored to their teaching and administrative needs.
Participants will have the opportunity to opt-in for 1:1 support from trained Berkeley students to assist in building PlayLab bots and getting familiar with the platform.

There is no cost to participate in this exciting opportunity! If you are interested, please complete this form below to express interest, and you will be contacted with more details about participation.

Warm regards,

James

September 26, 2024 – Subject: ZTC: Library Open Office Hours

Hi everyone,

The ZTC Technical Assistance team is pleased to continue offering Open Office Hours for questions related to the intersection of Libraries and ZTC. Topics might include eBook licensing, reserve copies of ZTC/OER texts, Alma-D, cataloging OER, library roles on OER/ZTC teams, and more!

Join us to ask a question or share what you are doing at your Library.

These office hours will be co-hosted by California Community College Librarians who have deep experience in OER and ZTC initiatives.

Aloha Sargent, Technology Services Librarian & ZTC Coordinator, Cabrillo College
Ame Maloney, Faculty Services Librarian & ZTC Coordinator

The next sessions will be:

10-11am on Wednesday, Oct. 2nd: https://cabrillo-edu.zoom.us/j/88532906136?pwd=3NpKUzrNnYYOqAdrcaHatpVg2xvkS4.1
1-2pm on Monday, Nov. 4th: https://cabrillo-edu.zoom.us/j/89027299899?pwd=hmOTbkltQckafDFW0j82rRaohZDEgj.1

Thank you,

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

September 23, 2024 – Subject: XB-12 Instructional Material Cost MIS Data Element Updates and Reporting (Webinar 10/3/2024)

Dear Colleagues,

Please join us to learn about the most recent updates to the XB-12 MIS Data Element and the importance of XB-12 data reporting. Instructional Schedulers, MIS staff, Researchers and OER/ZTC leads are especially invited to attend this important XB-12 Webinar and acquire insights for how data from XB-12 impacts important Chancellor’s Office programs, including the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Degree Grant Program’s annual progress reports and the Burden-Free Instructional Materials (BFIM) effort.

We have assembled a panel of key individuals who will provide information regarding XB-12 changes, guidance for data reporting, and the use of XB-12 data in the ZTC Degree Grant Program:

Todd Hoig, Information Technology Manager (CCCCO) will share the most recent code updates to XB-12 and provide an overview of XB-12 data collection requirements.
Chad Funk, Program Manager for the ZTC Degree Grant Program (CCCCO), will provide guidance for XB-12 code selection for course sections based on selected scenarios.
Alyssa Nguyen, The RP Group Senior Director of Research and Evaluation and James Glapa-Grossklag, Dean of Educational Technology at College of the Canyons and Technical Assistance Provider for the ZTC Degree Grant Program, will discuss the importance of XB-12 data collection and how it will support ZTC data collection and reporting requirements.

Webinar Information

Topic: XB-12 Instructional Material Cost MIS Data Element Updates and Reporting

Date: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM PST

Zoom Registration Link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GtfxLJLkR5-US-iopxUIyw

This Webinar is your opportunity to learn more about the recent XB-12 updates and ensure that your college’s data is submitted accurately. Don’t miss out—register now to receive valuable information!

Warm regards,

James

September 11, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Open Licensing Office Hours

Hi everyone,

The ZTC Technical Assistance team is continuing to host OER Licensing Open Office Hours.

When developing ZTC pathways using OER, you might encounter questions about open licensing such as Creative Commons licenses. During this OER Licensing Open Office Hour, pose those questions to Jonathan Poritz, veteran faculty member, multiple-OER author, and facilitator of the Creative Commons certificate program.

Bring your questions or just drop by to learn from the informal conversation about all-things-open licensing!

Our next session is:

Friday, September 13, 12-1 pm
https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/89634904650
Meeting ID: 896 3490 4650

Thanks!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

August 28, 2024 – Subject: Share Your ZTC Success Stories!

Hello all,

As your fall term gets underway, please share the successes of your ZTC programs. Thanks to longtime OER and ZTC champions at The Michelson 20MM Foundation (in partnership with the ASCCC OERI), you can share your success stories and lay the foundation of future advocacy.

Share your story at: ZTC Success Story Project.

Thank you!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

August 22, 2024 – Subject: Open Ed Conference Early Bird Deadline

Hi all,

Please see below for information about the largest open education conference of the year. The in-person early bird rate ends soon, with a bit more time for the virtual early bird rate. It would be great to have California representation!

Register Now for #OpenEd24: Don’t Miss the Early Bird Deadline

The 2024 Open Education Conference will be held as a hybrid event on October 8-10 in Providence, RI and online. The theme “It’s About Time” highlights this critical moment in education as we strive for a more open future. Don’t miss out on the latest research, best practices, and innovations from across the open education field.

$450 USD General Registration (increases to $600)
$150 USD Full-Time Student Rate (increases to $200)

$75USD General Registration (increases to $100)
$25 USD Student Rate
Scholarships by Application

Why should you attend?

Opening keynote by James Glapa-Grossklag and Joy Shoemate
200+ sessions
Social activities and networking (in person and online!)
Post-conference access to all recordings

We hope to see you in Providence, RI or online on October 8-10 for #OpenEd24. It’s About Time!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

August 14, 2024 – Subject: OFAR Year 5 Call for Participation is now open!

Greetings Colleagues,
I’m sending information about a professional development opportunity.

On behalf of the Open for Antiracism (OFAR) Program, co-led by CCCOER and College of the Canyons, please read the announcement below for the 2024-25 Call for Participation:

Call for Participation: Open for Antiracism (OFAR) in California Community Colleges (2024-25)

Are you seeking to make your teaching practices and instructional materials more antiracist? Do you wish that your course materials incorporated and supported the voices and experiences of all your students? Are you concerned about the cost of commercial course materials that don’t support equitable student learning?

We’re seeking teams of faculty from California Community Colleges (CCC) wishing to make their teaching and instructional materials antiracist to join a statewide Open for Antiracism (OFAR) Faculty Cohort running from September 2024 through June 2025.

If selected, your team will complete a 6-week, facilitated online, asynchronous course from October through November 2024, introducing you to these major topics in the context of developing an antiracist action plan: What Is Antiracism? What Are Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Pedagogy? How Can They Support Antiracist Pedagogy?

Each team member will create an individual action plan for the spring term to integrate OER and open pedagogy to make teaching and learning antiracist. Deliverables might include a revised history class that now includes a module on Juneteenth, or a revised biology text in which students replace images of all-white bodies with images that better reflect their communities.

Who Should Participate?

OFAR is open to full-time and adjunct faculty in California Community Colleges.

Having completed 4 years of OFAR, we’ve seen that those most likely to benefit from participating are instructors in the early or middle stages of their journey toward antiracism. If you’re a scholar of race and ethnicity, or you’ve been leading DEI work on your campus, you’re less likely to benefit from the program.

Why Now?

In recent years, renewed protests for racial justice sparked organizations to release public statements decrying systemic racism and calling to change hiring practices, disaggregate student data, and add equity to strategic plans. However laudable these public statements might be, they often call for actions that are far removed from teaching practices and instructional materials.

This therefore remains the ideal time to educate and empower faculty to move beyond statements on institutional websites and enact concrete approaches in their classrooms, by harnessing key affordances of OER and open pedagogy to introduce antiracist content and practices into classrooms.

Our working definition of antiracism refers to actions that identify, interrogate, and alter the values, structures and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism. We approach this work with humility and a desire to learn together.

Team Applications

For this fifth year of OFAR, we are looking for applications from teams of 4-6 faculty from the same college, so that you will have a local support network while participating in the program. When selecting your team, we encourage you to include adjunct faculty. We cannot accept applications from individuals.

Applications should include a statement of support from your department chair or division dean (or other administrator). This letter should describe institutional support you expect such as instructional design support, alignment with equity initiatives, etc.

Participation in the OFAR program is limited to 42 faculty (full-time or adjunct). Participants who complete the program earn a stipend of $3,500.

Team Leader

The team leader plays a key role in the OFAR program, by assisting their OFAR team in the following:

Submit the OFAR application in collaboration with other team members. Include the administrator support letter and obtain an agreement from your Institutional Research department to supply student outcomes data.
Work with the OFAR coach assigned to your team to arrange monthly regular meetings with team members throughout the program.
Receive and distribute email messages from OFAR program leadership regarding research to team members.
Communicate with OFAR Program administrators and coaches should team members encounter any issues with completing the program.
Communicate periodic updates to the college administrator who agreed to support the OFAR faculty team, with a suggested frequency of two to three times per semester. (For a total of five updates during the program.)
Coordinate the end-of-year team showcase.

In addition to the compensation that each individual team member of the OFAR cohort receives, the team leader will receive an additional $750 stipend, divided equally between the December and June invoice payments. The total compensation for the team leader will be $4,250.

Application

Timeline for applications and the start of the program:

Informational webinar:
Fri, Aug 23
- Register here:
- https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIufuiprjIoHdworzQQKtKixVjkXs_ByyA0
College applications due: Weds, Sept 4 by 5 pm Pacific time
Notifications to applicants: Fri, Sept 20
Required welcome webinar: Fri, Sept 27
Facilitated online course: Mon, Oct 7 – Sat, Nov 23

Full details of the application are in the CFP OFAR 2024-25. We recommend you make a copy of the OFAR Application Template for details on filling out the application and in case you encounter any technical issues with the survey tool.

Questions?

Please see the Open for Antiracism 2024-25: Frequently Asked Questions

More information:

Contact: Laura Dunn at lauradunn@oeglobal.org and James Glapa-Grossklag at james.glapa-grossklag@canyons.edu

Thank you!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

August 8, 2024 – Subject: REMINDER – ZTC, Professional Development Courses Open for Registration

Hi everyone,

I’d like to let you know that seats are still available in some of our ZTC professional development courses for this fall. Please see below for ZTC PD course descriptions and register at registration for Fall @One courses. Please share this message with colleagues who might not be on this ZTC email list.

Full! Beyond Boundaries: OER and Universal Design for Learning

This course explores how using Open Educational Resources (OER) can help us continuously improve our teaching materials with an eye toward supporting all learners. We will focus on evaluating OER through the important perspectives of accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). By using these lenses, we can ensure that our content remains relevant, engaging, inclusive, and effective for ALL students.
This course will help faculty and instructional designers evaluate, adopt, adapt, or create OER that incorporate the principles of Universal Design for Learning.

Seats still available! Making the Case for ZTC: Pathways to Equity

This course explores the fundamental connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), Guided Pathways (GP), and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) pathways. You will employ an equity cognitive frame to examine the impact of textbook costs on student success, and the disproportionate impact on historically underserved students. You will also dig into the growing research on OER efficacy, consider the “what” and “why” of Guided Pathways, and review successful ZTC pathways, across the state and beyond. You will leave this course understanding how OER and ZTC pathways promote student success and reduce equity gaps, supporting the Vision for Success of the California Community Colleges.
This data-rich course will help colleagues advocating for OER adoption and ZTC pathway development to make their case.

Seats still available! Building a Team: Training OER Support Staff

This course will help you understand and implement key elements of an OER/ZTC workflow, ranging from searching for and sharing OER to formatting documents, using appropriate attributions and licensing, as well as ensuring accessibility. Further, you will explore strategies for assembling a team of faculty, staff, and administrators who can collaborate to gather greater visibility for OER and ZTC on your campus and successfully implement OER and ZTC initiatives.
This workflow-focused course will benefit those leading or preparing to lead local ZTC programs.

Seats still available! Teaching with OER and Open Pedagogy for Equity

This course explores the connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), open pedagogy, and culturally responsive pedagogy. You will look at a variety of real-world examples (e.g., non-disposable assignments, open student projects, open course design, culturally-relevant OER) and be asked to consider: how might you implement these approaches in your own teaching? What are some concrete actions you can take in your own course to create more culturally responsive spaces for your students and transform your teaching and learning using OER or open pedagogy?
This pedagogy focused course will benefit teaching faculty and those supporting innovation in teaching (e.g., instructional designers and teaching and learning center staff).

Full! Navigating the Future: Open Education with Generative AI

This course explores the connections between Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Open Educational Resources (OER), and Open Pedagogy. You will gain essential AI literacy and practice using one or more AI tools as well as review the basics of OER and Open Pedagogy. Then, you will explore strategies for harnessing AI to create or adapt OER, while identifying opportunities to collaborate with students. You will also dig into the ethical considerations related to employing AI in open education as well as evolving practices for licensing and attributing work created with generative AI.
This exploratory course should benefit anyone involved in creating, discovering, or re-mixing OER.

Thank you!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

August 7, 2024 – Subject: FW: OpenEd24 Program Released! Register Now Before Rates Increase

Hello ZTC advocates,

I hope that many of you are able to participate in the CalOER Conference this week. Another great opportunity to learn about OER and to share your wonderful ZTC projects will be at the annual Open Ed Conference, in a hybrid format this October. Please see the details below.

2024 Open Education Conference website

Thank you,

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

661.362.3632

Book a meeting with me!

https://appt.link/meet-with-james-gg

July 27, 2024 – Subject: ZTC: Professional Development Courses Open for Registration

Hello everyone,

I’m happy to announce our Fall 2024 ZTC professional development courses. Thanks to our colleagues with CVC, you can find our courses via the @ONE catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Fall 2024. Completers will earn an @One badge and may elect to earn continuing education units. Registration for Fall @One courses will open at 9 am, Monday, July 29.

I’m also excited to let you know that we’re adding a new course, dedicated to exploring the intersection of OER and Universal Design for Learning (see below).

Beyond Boundaries: OER and Universal Design for Learning (NEW!)

This course explores how using Open Educational Resources (OER) can help us continuously improve our teaching materials with an eye toward supporting all learners. We will focus on evaluating OER through the important perspectives of accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). By using these lenses, we can ensure that our content remains relevant, engaging, inclusive, and effective for ALL students.
This course will help faculty and instructional designers evaluate, adopt, adapt, or create OER that incorporate the principles of Universal Design for Learning.

Making the Case for ZTC: Pathways to Equity

This course explores the fundamental connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), Guided Pathways (GP), and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) pathways. You will employ an equity cognitive frame to examine the impact of textbook costs on student success, and the disproportionate impact on historically underserved students. You will also dig into the growing research on OER efficacy, consider the “what” and “why” of Guided Pathways, and review successful ZTC pathways, across the state and beyond. You will leave this course understanding how OER and ZTC pathways promote student success and reduce equity gaps, supporting the Vision for Success of the California Community Colleges.
This data-rich course will help colleagues advocating for OER adoption and ZTC pathway development to make their case.

Building a Team: Training OER Support Staff

This course will help you understand and implement key elements of an OER/ZTC workflow, ranging from searching for and sharing OER to formatting documents, using appropriate attributions and licensing, as well as ensuring accessibility. Further, you will explore strategies for assembling a team of faculty, staff, and administrators who can collaborate to gather greater visibility for OER and ZTC on your campus and successfully implement OER and ZTC initiatives.
This workflow-focused course will benefit those leading or preparing to lead local ZTC programs.

Teaching with OER and Open Pedagogy for Equity

This course explores the connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), open pedagogy, and culturally responsive pedagogy. You will look at a variety of real-world examples (e.g., non-disposable assignments, open student projects, open course design, culturally-relevant OER) and be asked to consider: how might you implement these approaches in your own teaching? What are some concrete actions you can take in your own course to create more culturally responsive spaces for your students and transform your teaching and learning using OER or open pedagogy?
This pedagogy focused course will benefit teaching faculty and those supporting innovation in teaching (e.g., instructional designers and teaching and learning center staff).

Navigating the Future: Open Education with Generative AI

This course explores the connections between Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Open Educational Resources (OER), and Open Pedagogy. You will gain essential AI literacy and practice using one or more AI tools as well as review the basics of OER and Open Pedagogy. Then, you will explore strategies for harnessing AI to create or adapt OER, while identifying opportunities to collaborate with students. You will also dig into the ethical considerations related to employing AI in open education as well as evolving practices for licensing and attributing work created with generative AI.
This exploratory course should benefit anyone involved in creating, discovering, or re-mixing OER.

Thank you!

James

July 18, 2024 – Subject: XB-12 MIS data submission information

Good Morning ZTC Colleagues:

I am attaching an email from our Director of Management Information Systems that covers the updates to the XB-12 MIS data element. The most up-to-date XB-12 data element definition is posted on the MIS Data Submission Updates Website. At the time of this email, the XB-12 information can be found at the bottom of the Web page. The Chancellor’s Office held an MIS data elements update Webinar on April 30, 2024 that contains an overview of the XB-12 data element. You can find the XB-12 information at the 21:00 minute mark of the Webinar. The slides for the recording, and other MIS submission related information, can be found at https://webdata.cccco.edu/.

I have requested a follow-up info session with the Research Office that is specific to XB-12 and that is being planned for early Fall. When I have a date and time for that upcoming session, it will be shared on the ZTC listserv.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

July 17, 2024 – Subject: Open Education + AI, Call for Abstracts

Hello all,

Sharing an exciting publishing opportunity for those interested in the intersection of Open Education and AI.

The MIT OpenCourseWare Collaborations Program announces the AI + Open Education Initiative at MIT Open Learning, and invites you to participate in this project.

The remarkable growth of Artificial Intelligence poses new benefits and challenges for open education. To meet the moment, MIT Open Learning invites practitioners in open education and AI from around the world to submit proposals for rapid response papers or multimedia projects that explore the future of open education in an ecosystem inhabited and shaped by AI systems.

The goal? To publicly share the projects under an open license to advance open education for the benefit of all learners.

The Call for Abstracts is now open! Deadline for proposals: September 1, 2024.

See more at: MIT Open Learning announces call for proposals at the intersection of AI and open education (Medium article).

Thank you!

James

July 15, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Open Office Hours July 24

Hi everyone,

The ZTC Technical Assistance team is pleased to offer Open Office Hours for questions related to the intersection of Libraries and ZTC. Topics might include eBook licensing, reserve copies of ZTC/OER texts, Alma-D, cataloging OER, library roles on OER/ZTC teams, and more! Join us to ask a question or share what you are doing at your Library.

These office hours will be co-hosted by California Community College Librarians who have deep experience in OER and ZTC initiatives.

Aloha Sargent, Technology Services Librarian & ZTC Coordinator, Cabrillo College
Ame Maloney, Faculty Services Librarian & ZTC Coordinator, Skyline College

The next sessions will be:

~~June 17, 10am-11am: https://cabrillo-edu.zoom.us/j/84943990531?pwd=xs02tGP6fdloYR8YrV2HIc3vxquAaO.1~~
July 24, 11am-12pm: https://cabrillo-edu.zoom.us/j/82417583627?pwd=Y8iyMvmUBuaBEGNRDfkXvqgpR9F3yQ.1

Thank you!

James

June 10, 2024 – Subject: ZTC: Open Office Hours for Librarians

Hi everyone,

These office hours will be co-hosted by California Community College Librarians who have deep experience in OER and ZTC initiatives.

Aloha Sargent, Technology Services Librarian & ZTC Coordinator, Cabrillo College
Ame Maloney, Faculty Services Librarian & ZTC Coordinator, Skyline College

The next sessions will be:

June 17, 10am-11am: https://cabrillo-edu.zoom.us/j/84943990531?pwd=xs02tGP6fdloYR8YrV2HIc3vxquAaO.1
July 24, 11am-12pm: https://cabrillo-edu.zoom.us/j/82417583627?pwd=Y8iyMvmUBuaBEGNRDfkXvqgpR9F3yQ.1

Thank you!

James

June 5, 2024 – Subject: IMPORTANT! Date change: ZTC Office hour will be June 21st from 9:00am – 10:00am

Good Afternoon ZTC Colleagues:

We will hold our next ZTC Office Hour on June 21^st from 9:00am – 10:00am. This change is being made to accommodate our colleague partners who will be attending the Online Teaching Conference during the final week of June. We will resume our normally scheduled “Final Friday” ZTC Office Hour on July 26^th.

Zoom link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/87302202896

Thank you for updating your calendars with this date change.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

June 5, 2024 – Subject: FW: Creation of ASL OER Materials – Please Share

From: OERI Info <oeri@asccc.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 8:07 AM
Subject: Creation of ASL OER Materials – Please Share

Hello ASL faculty, librarians, specialists, and other educators and stakeholders:

Here is an update on the work of the team at San Diego City College, regarding the creation of ASL OER materials. This work is led by Melanie Nakaji, Ph.D.

May 31, 2024 – Subject: Re: Reminder to complete the ZTC Development Survey

Hello all,

Between grading finals and celebrating commencement with your students, please take a moment to complete the ZTC Development Survey to document the progress and needs for the Zero Textbook Cost Acceleration Grant projects.

This survey will take approximately 10 minutes, and you can skip any question you don’t want to answer. All information you provide will be kept confidential and only used to document the progress and needs of these grants. This survey will be available until Friday, June 7, 2024.

For your convenience, a PDF of the complete survey is attached here, so that you can view all the questions before starting to respond.

Please share the survey with anyone else at your college who is directly supporting the development and implementation of the program(s) for this grant.

Link to Survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZTC_Development_2024

For any questions about this survey effort, please contact Alyssa Nguyen, Director of Research and Evaluation, The RP Group at anguyen@rpgroup.org.

Thank you!

James

May 28, 2024 – Subject: ZTC: OER Licensing Office Hours

Hi everyone,

I hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

I’m sending a reminder that the ZTC Technical Assistance team is offering OER Licensing Open Office Hours.

When developing ZTC pathways using OER, you might encounter questions about open licensing such as Creative Commons licenses. During this OER Licensing Open Office Hour, pose those questions to Jonathan Poritz, veteran faculty member, multiple-OER author, and facilitator of the Creative Commons certificate program.

May 31, 12 – 1 pm Pacific
June 28, 12 – 1 pm Pacific
https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/87352019802

(We’ve tried to avoid conflicts with other events – if we haven’t succeeded, thank you for your understanding.)

James

May 28, 2024 – Subject: June Webinars: Open Education and Implementation of ZTC Degrees

The ZTC Technical Assistance team is pleased to offer a series of webinars in June highlighting a range of organizations that can provide support to your college for your Open Education work and implementation of ZTC degrees:

WEBINAR 1: Featuring OpenStax, Pressbooks, and FeedbackFruits

June 6, 10:00 -11:00 PT

Zoom link: https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/84277672058

WEBINAR 2: Featuring ASCCC OERI, ISKME/OER Commons, and LibreTexts

June 12, 2:00 – 3:00 PT

Zoom link: https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/81264569624

WEBINAR 3: Featuring Open Education Network, Creative Commons, and Rebus Community

June 18, 11:00 -12:00 PT

Zoom link: https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/87221261956

We know that some of you will not be working during the summer, so these webinars will be recorded and available via the ZTC TAP website External Service Provider Page.

Please join us to learn more about, and ask questions of, these helpful organizations!

James

May 21, 2024 – Subject: FW: [GUIDANCE] AB 607/Education Code §66406.9: Course Materials Cost Publication

From: ESLEI Operations <ESLEIOperations@CCCCO.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 10:08 AM
Subject: [GUIDANCE] AB 607/Education Code §66406.9: Course Materials Cost Publication

Dear Colleagues –

Please see the attached memo for information regarding AB 607/Education Code §66406.9: Course Materials Cost Publication, which can also be found on our website. For questions regarding this memo, please contact Chad Funk at CFunk@CCCCO.edu.

Memo attachment can be found here: AB 607/Education Code §66406.9: Course Materials Cost Publication

Thank you,

Jessica Slivyak (she/her)

Operations Analyst

Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office

Operations and Strategy

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

1102 Q Street, Sacramento, California 95811

www.cccco.edu

May 21, 2024 – Subject: ZTC: Blog post on OER for Academic Freedom

Hello ZTC advocates,

Some of you might be unfamiliar with the long history of OER advocacy and leadership in the California Community Colleges. We will periodically feature blog posts from long-time OER leaders in California on the ZTC TAP website.

To start, we’re pleased to share a reflection entitled OER: Increasing Academic Freedom for Faculty & Student Learning from Barbara Illowsky, the author of the first widely available OER textbook and professor emerita at DeAnza College.

Enjoy!

James

May 13, 2024 – Subject: [GUIDANCE] Zero Textbook Cost Program: Acceleration II, Impact, and OER Expansion Grants

Dear Colleagues –

Please see the attached memo for information regarding Zero Textbook Cost Program: Acceleration II, Impact, and OER Expansion Grants, which can also be found on our website. For questions regarding this memo, please contact ZTC program at ZTC@CCCCO.edu.

Thank you,

Attachment from the email: Memo regarding the Zero Textbook Cost Program: Acceleration II, Impact, and OER Expansion Grants

May 9, 2024 – Subject: FW: Proposed changes to BOG title 5 regs: Burden-Free Access to Instructional Materials (45-Day Notice for comments ends June 23, 2024)

Subject: Proposed changes to BOG title 5 regs: Burden-Free Access to Instructional Materials (45-Day Notice for comments ends June 23, 2024)

Please find attached a notice of proposed rulemaking and text from the California Community Colleges, Chancellor’s Office titled ”Burden-Free Access to Instructional Materials.” Comments must be received by the Regulations Coordinator prior to 4:00 p.m. June 23, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact the regulation coordinator at regcomments@cccco.edu. As stated in the notice, please email any comments to the regulations email account, regcomments@cccco.edu .

The Board of Governors’ agenda referenced in the notice will be posted to our website soon. The attached documents will also be available on the Office of General Counsel page of the Chancellor’s website at Office of the General Counsel – Pending Regulatory Action.

Thank you.

Regulations Coordinator

Office of General Counsel

California Community Colleges, Chancellor’s Office

Subscription to this listserv is managed by each district or college local IT staff. To start receiving or be removed from this list, please contact your district or college IT staff. For more information on the Chancellor’s Office listservs, please visit the Listserv Membership and Management page.

Attachments in the email:

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5, REGARDING BURDEN-FREE ACCESS TO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
45-Day Notice published May 9, 2024

Proposed Revisions to Title 5, California Code of Regulations relating to Burden-Free Access to Instructional Materials

May 8, 2024 – Subject: Invitation to complete the ZTC Development Survey

Dear ZTC College Partner,

College of the Canyons, in partnership with the The Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges (The RP Group) is inviting you to complete a survey to document the progress and needs for the Zero Textbook Cost Acceleration Grant projects.

Please take a moment to complete this survey; and share it with anyone else at the college who is directly supporting the development and implementation of the program(s) for this grant.

Link to Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZTC_Development_2024

For any questions about this survey effort, please contact Alyssa Nguyen, Director of Research and Evaluation, The RP Group at anguyen@rpgroup.org.

This survey will be available until Friday, May 17, 2024.

Thank you!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

April 25, 2024 – Subject: Burden-Free Instructional Materials Report

Dear Colleagues:

In 2023, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office launched a statewide Equitable Student Experience “Burden-Free Instructional Materials Task Force” (BFIMTF) to support a vision: when a course begins, students have everything needed, including all instructional materials, at no cost. The Task Force was charged with making system-level recommendations, including short and long-term strategies for shifting toward burden-free instructional items for every student at every college, leading to more students achieving educational, career and economic mobility.

The Task Force was comprised of systemwide representatives, including faculty, administrators, Open Educational Resources (OER) partners, and students who collectively explored student friction points for accessing instructional materials. This group engaged in productive, collaborative conversations to support system efforts and opportunities to further scale OER availability, review existing resources, and identify actions that support the local prioritization of burden free efforts.

The BFIMTF Report is now available for our system. The report provides recommendations to strengthen student financial stability, enhance equitable student engagement and success, reduce (and ultimately eliminate) instructional material costs for students, and provide alleviation of financial, administrative and psychological burdens related to acquiring required instructional materials before the beginning of an academic term.

Many thanks to our Burden-Free Instructional Materials Task Force Members—especially to Michelle Pilati (ASCCC OERI) for her leadership as Co-Chair.

Warm regards,

James

April 24, 2024 – Subject: Important: Zoom link change for May 8th ZTC Data Requirements Webinar update

Good Afternoon ZTC Colleagues:

Please note: we have made a change to the Zoom link that we will use for the ZTC Data Requirements Webinar on May 8^th at 12:00 noon. Please find the new Webinar access information below. Thank you for making note of this change, and please update your calendars accordingly. It is highly recommended that your college have members of your Instructional Office and Institutional Research Office attend this Webinar to assist in data gathering efforts that will be required for ZTC data reporting in the forthcoming progress reports. Please ensure to pass this information to your Instructional Office and Institutional Research Offices as well.

Topic: ZTC Data Collection and Reporting Webinar

Time: May 8, 2024 12:00 Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/81438068306

Meeting ID: 814 3806 8306

One tap mobile

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Dial by your location

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Meeting ID: 814 3806 8306

Find your local number: https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/u/kX2fGcujk

Collegially,

Chad Funk

April 19, 2024 – Subject: RFP: AI Challenge from Learning Lab

Dear Colleagues,

Please see the RFPs from Learning Lab and the announcement of their AI Challenge (below). Please share these opportunities widely with your campus and faculty to encourage participation and innovation!

Warm regards,

James

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April 11, 2024 – Subject: Registration for Summer PD Courses Now Open

Hello everyone,

I’m happy to announce our Summer 2024 ZTC professional development courses. Thanks to our colleagues with CVC, you can register for our courses via the @ONE catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Summer 2024. Completers will earn an @One badge and may elect to earn continuing education units.

Making the Case for ZTC: Pathways to Equity

Explore how Open Educational Resources (OER), Guided Pathways (GP), and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) pathways can support equity.
This data-rich course will help colleagues advocating for OER adoption and ZTC pathway development to make their case.

Building a Team: Training OER Support Staff

Designed for those who coordinate or aspire to lead Open Educational Resources (OER) programs, This course will help you build and support OER teams to establish OER/ZTC capacity and sustainability.
Understand and implement key elements of an OER/ZTC workflow, ranging from searching for and sharing OER to formatting documents, using appropriate attributions and licensing, as well as ensuring accessibility.

Teaching with OER and Open Pedagogy for Equity

Explore why and how to integrate Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Pedagogy in your course, as a way to support equity-minded and culturally responsive teaching.
This pedagogy focused course will benefit teaching faculty and those supporting innovation in teaching (e.g., instructional designers and teaching and learning center staff).

Navigating the Future: Open Education with Generative AI

Explore the intersections of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Open Educational Resources (OER), and Open Pedagogy, including practical, ethical, and licensing considerations.
This exploratory course should benefit anyone involved in creating, discovering, or re-mixing OER.

More details and enrollment are available in the @One catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Summer 2024.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you!

April 10, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Summit: May 3, College of the Canyons

Dear Colleagues,

There are still seats available for the statewide ZTC Summit hosted at College of the Canyons, on Friday, May 3, from 9am until 2:30pm. Please register early, as seating is limited, and you may visit the ZTC Summit website for more details. The conference presents the opportunity to: learn about OER and ZTC success stories that can inform local efforts, deepen awareness of ZTC support services and networks, discuss common challenges, and identify opportunities to move forward.

For further information, please contact James Glapa-Grossklag (James.Glapa-Grossklag@CANYONS.EDU), Dean of Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning at College of the Canyons. James also serves as the Technical Assistance Provider for the ZTC Grant Program.

Please share this with faculty, classified professionals, and administrators who might benefit from this important summit.

Warm regards,

James

April 4, 2024 – Subject: ZTC: Library Office Hours

Hi everyone,

These office hours will be co-hosted by 2 California Community College Librarians, who have deep experience in OER and ZTC initiatives.

Aloha Sargent, Technology Services Librarian & ZTC Coordinator, Cabrillo College
Ame Maloney, Faculty Services Librarian & ZTC Coordinator, Skyline College

April 16: 10 – 11 am Pacific
https://cabrillo-edu.zoom.us/j/87926218398?pwd=32dygaPlVSQqVGHR5uaGu0Dq7R3T11.1

May 14: 10 – 11 am Pacific
https://cabrillo-edu.zoom.us/j/83341534412?pwd=XOQ6HsYdFxCOKYByQqPcaHBSa9myQm.1

Thank you!

James

April 3, 2024 – Subject: NOVA ZTC Contacts update request

Good Afternoon ZTC Colleagues:

We need your help! Currently, we are in the process of building the new ZTC program plans for the upcoming ZTC phases in NOVA, and we need to ensure that your college’s NOVA contacts are accurate. We are asking each college to review your Implementation Grant program plans in NOVA, and please inform us no later than April 19^th if there are changes to any of the persons identified for these roles at your college (note: these roles can be fulfilled by the same person, if this is the structure at your college). Unfortunately, there cannot be multiple persons identified per role, so we need one name for who is responsible for each role:

Project Lead Contact – makes final edits and submits the program plan in NOVA
Plan Approver – reviews submitted program plan and certifies it on behalf of the college
Institution Project Fiscal Reporter –assigns ZTC funds to college accounts

Once the new ZTC phases’ program plans are published and available in NOVA, then your ZTC Project Lead Contact can add additional Alternate Project Lead Contacts (APLC) who can assist with edits and updates to the program plans in NOVA; however, only the Project Lead Contact can submit the program plan, and only the Plan Approver can certify the program plans in NOVA on behalf of the college.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to review your college’s contact information in the ZTC Implementation Grant inside of NOVA and for providing the accurate role, name, email address and phone number for each individual to be identified in the new ZTC phases’ program plans. If there are no changes necessary, then there is no need to respond. However, if no response takes place and multiple names are currently in NOVA for the role of Project Lead Contact, Plan Approver and Institution Fiscal Reporter, then the first name in the list will be used when developing the new ZTC program plans. Please provide responses to the ztc@cccco.edu email account.

Many thanks,

March 27, 2024 – Subject: Upcoming ZTC Info Sessions & Events

Dear ZTC Colleagues:

We have arrived at the mid-point of the Spring 2024 semester, and I wanted to make you aware of important meeting dates and activities that are related to the ZTC Degree Grant Program until the end of spring. Below, I have provided dates, times and links to the ZTC Degree Grant Program meetings for Spring 2024 that will be helpful to have on your calendar:

March 29, 9am – 10am ZTC Office Hour
April 26, 9am – 10am ZTC Office Hour
April 26, 10:30am – 11:30am OERI Friday Forum (11:30 – 12:30 Q&A to follow with same link)
May 3, 9am – 4pm ZTC Summit @ College of the Canyons
May 7, 12pm – 1pm ZTC New Grants Info Session #1
May 8, 12pm – 1pm ZTC Program Data Reporting Requirements Webinar
May 16, 12pm – 1pm ZTC New Grants Info Session #2
May 21, 12pm – 1pm ZTC New Grants Info Session #3
May 31, 9am – 10am ZTC Office Hour

Please note: the ZTC Program Data Reporting Requirements Webinar should be attended by the college’s staff who support data acquisition and reporting. This could include Institutional Research staff, Instructional Office staff, and the ZTC lead to plan appropriately for the data collection requirements of the college.

ZTC New Grants Info Sessions: each will cover the Acceleration II, Impact and OER Expansion Grants, and the basic content in these sessions will cover the information. However, the Q&A may lead to different content being shared. Attendance at each session is not necessary, but it could be beneficial.

I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming sessions and events.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

Program Specialist

Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office

Educational Services and Support Division

( (916) 445-1774

* cfunk@cccco.edu

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

1102 Q Street, Sacramento, California 95811

www.cccco.edu

March 22, 2024 – Subject: Invitation to Register for May 3 Event, ZTC Summit

Hi all,

I’d like to invite you to a statewide ZTC Summit, hosted at College of the Canyons, on Friday, May 3.

You will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about ZTC success stories that can inform your work
- Deepen awareness of support services and networks
- Discuss common challenges and identify opportunities to move forward together

Please register early, as seating is limited. Watch the ZTC Summit website for more details.

We look forward to seeing you in-person!

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

March 8, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Support: OER Licensing Open Office Hours

Hi all,

As a reminder, one support available to you in developing your ZTC pathways is a Help Desk on OER Licensing.

As part of this, we’re pleased to offer two OER Licensing Open Office Hours. When developing ZTC pathways using OER, you might encounter questions about open licensing such as Creative Commons licenses. During this OER Licensing Open Office Hour, pose those questions to Jonathan Poritz, veteran faculty member, multiple-OER author, and a facilitator of the Creative Commons certificate program.

March 15: 12 – 1 pm Pacific
- https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/83355485882
March 22: 1 – 2 pm Pacific:
- https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/83479206262

(We’ve tried to avoid conflicts with other events – if we haven’t succeeded, thank you for your understanding.)

Thank you!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

March 7, 2024 – Subject: New ZTC Grant Opportunities

Good Afternoon ZTC Colleagues:

During the February ZTC Office Hour, we shared that new opportunities for using ZTC funds are under development. The goal is to make these new opportunities available in NOVA between late April and early May. The submission period will remain open until December 16. There will be three types of grants: Acceleration II Grants, Impact Grants, and OER Expansion Grants. Please refer below for summaries of each opportunity.

Acceleration II Grants ($200,000 capped per eligible program) continue ZTC Program investment for pathways that are unique to the college or region that have not been awarded in prior phases. The goal is to provide colleges the opportunity to apply and receive awards to make these unique programs more accessible to a larger number of students while not duplicating existing programs. We recommend that colleges review growing enrollment programs and completion rates for students at their institutions to determine is these unique programs will benefit students.
Impact Grants ($200,000 capped per eligible program) support high impact programs that benefit a great number of students. Colleges that either missed out on Acceleration Grants and associated Collaboration Cohort efforts, or colleges that elected to wait until their colleague colleges had completed their work in the Collaboration Cohort process should apply. To avoid duplication, Impact Grant programs are required to document how they leverage the efforts and materials from the Acceleration Grants Coordination Cohorts to the maximum degree possible. The following are factors to consider in avoiding duplication:
At the culmination of the Acceleration Grants Collaboration Cohorts, documentation regarding work efforts to specific courses will become available for review.
Colleges wishing to submit a potentially duplicative type of Impact Grant will be required to await the completion of the Collaboration Cohorts’ legacy documents, which will become available by mid- to late-summer.
Colleges that are able to implement high impact grants in a subject matter area that has a high potential for duplication will be able to submit a program plan in the Impact Grants.
Colleges should consider their programs that have the highest enrollment and completions to maximize the benefit to students.
Colleges must commit to reviewing available resources while prioritizing newly developed/developing OER and seek adoption or adaptation where possible.
In places where unique factors are present, colleges will have the opportunity to provide a brief explanation of the variance from the collaboration cohorts and how they will develop the program pathway in a non-duplicative manner.
OER Expansion Grants ($20,000 capped per eligible course) provide OER curation support for additional courses that can further enhance the scale and impact of all the ZTC programs that are developed or underway.
Courses that can enhance the scale and impact of awarded ZTC Grants (i.e., Implementation Grants, Acceleration Grants, Acceleration II Grants, and Impact Grants) may apply.
Additional eligibility will be detailed in the next Chancellor’s Office guidance memo.
A memo containing additional details, such as eligibility criteria, timelines, and reporting requirements will be forthcoming.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

Program Specialist

Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office

Educational Services and Support Division

March 6, 2024 – Subject: WICHE/DOERS3: Time-to-Completion Study Materials and Updates

Hello ZTC advocates,

I’m passing along below an opportunity for colleges to participate in a study on the relationship between the use of no-cost/low-cost course materials and OER and time-to-credential. The study is organized by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Please direct any questions to Liliana Diaz, Senior Policy Analyst

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, at ldiaz@wiche.edu.

Thank you,

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

March 6, 2024 – Subject: NASH Catalyst Fund Grant Opportunity

Dear Colleagues,

I am reaching out to share an exciting opportunity in partnership with the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH).

Through philanthropic support, NASH has $220,000 available to award to institutions within California’s systems of higher education in recognition of interventions that remove cost as a barrier to higher education. This funding is available through NASH’s Catalyst Fund, which recognizes interventions proven to support student success locally that have the potential for replication and scale within and across public higher education systems.

Please see attached materials for more information, including the request for proposals overview. Successful proposals will receive a minimum of $5,000 that can be used flexibly in support of the awarded intervention. Proposals should detail interventions that are already being implemented to address problems of practice in equitable access and affordability, including but not limited to:

Making college accessible to low-income students by meeting their full financial needs, particularly needs that are unaddressed by traditional financial aid packages and policies.
Making college affordable to students by reducing the net price through reduced tuition rates or providing: differential tuition based on circumstances, fee waivers, need-based scholarships, last-dollar gap-filling awards, open educational resources (OER), and microgrants to attend to basic needs (e.g., food, housing, clothes, books, supplies, etc.)
Improving practices, timeliness, and transparency, related to communicating and demonstrating clear and standard information about cost and financial aid offers to help students and families assess college affordability.
Providing wrap-around support for non-traditional and/or low-income students through daycare and other social services, transportation, food banks, affordable housing, healthcare, legal assistance, etc.
Decreasing time to degree through efforts targeted to low-income, traditionally under-represented, and/or non-traditional students.

Applications for awards must be submitted using the attached Word document form (Catalyst Fund RFP Form – CCC) via email to catalyst@nash.edu by 12:00PM on Monday, April 15, 2024.

To answer any questions you may have, NASH is hosting a webinar at 10:00am PT on Friday, March 15. Those who are interested can register here to receive information on joining the meeting. Any questions concerning the proposal process can also be directed via email to catalyst@nash.edu.

You are welcome and encouraged to share this email with faculty, classified professionals, and administrators at your institution.

Warm regards,

James

James E. Todd, Ph.D. (he/him)

Dean

Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office

Educational Services and Support

jtodd@cccco.edu

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office

1102 Q Street, Sacramento, California 95811

www.cccco.edu

ATTACHMENTS:

Catalyst Fund RFP – CCC

Catalyst Fund RFP Form – CCC

February 15, 2024 – Subject: [Webinar]: How to Demonstrate Impact and Effectiveness with Open Education

Hi everyone,

Please see below for a webinar on documenting impact of OER projects. The speakers are well-respected leaders of OER projects from around the country. I’m confident you’ll find their perspectives useful.

Thank you,

James Glapa-Grossklag

—————————————————————————————————

From: Julie Curtis <julie@pressbooks.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2024 9:04 AM
To: Glapa-Grossklag, James <James.Glapa-Grossklag@canyons.edu>
Subject: [Webinar]: How to Demonstrate Impact and Effectiveness with Open Education

CAUTION: External Sender. Proceed Responsibly. <more details>

Gain expert insights about how to demonstrate impact, from cost savings and beyond

Are you looking to better understand the impact of your open education initiatives and how to move forward effectively? Do you need buy-in to start or advance your projects but aren’t sure how to get it?

Whether you’re just starting a new program or you’re already leading the way on a mature OER initiative, understanding impact is important. Join us for our next webinar as we dive into the topic of demonstrating impact and effectiveness.

Date: March 7, 2024 | Time: 3:00 – 4:00pm ET (12:00 – 1:00pm PT)

In this webinar we’ll explore the following questions:

What do key stakeholders care about, and which metrics and proof points will resonate with them?
As you build support for your initiative, what success stories are you trying to tell, and for what purpose?
How do you track these important metrics?

Register Now

For those who wish to attend but are unable to make the time, we will be sending a recording of the webinar to all registered attendees.

We hope to see you there!

Best,

Julie Curtis

February 2, 2024 – Subject: ZTC Technical Assistance Available

Hello ZTC advocates,

As Technical Assistance Provider for the ZTC Grant Program, I’m pleased to share an overview of support available to you as you embark on developing your ZTC programs. You can find more information on our website at ztctap.org.

Help Desk: Searching for OER

Are you seeking OER to support courses in your ZTC degree pathway(s)? The ZTC TAP team can help you locate and adopt open educational resources for your courses. (Also, see the ASCCC OERI website for lists of OER by discipline, as well as OER created by CCC faculty.)

Help Desk: Open Licensing

Are you seeking advice on assigning an open license to OER you have adapted or created? The ZTC TAP team can help you better understand the landscape of Creative Commons licenses and more.

Coaching

Would your college benefit from coaching by experienced faculty, administrators, and staff who have successfully led OER and ZTC initiatives? Request to be paired with a coach.

Professional Development

We’re thrilled with the strong response to our professional development courses offered via @One. All spring classes are full. Please watch for an announcement about our summer classes.

Save the Date

College of the Canyons will host a statewide ZTC event on Friday, May 3. Attendees will:
- Learn about ZTC success stories that can inform their work
- Deepen awareness of support services and networks
- Discuss common challenges and identify opportunities to move forward together

You can find more information about these supports on our website at: ZTCTAP.org.

Thank you all!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

January 31, 2024 – Subject: OERI Collaboration Cohorts Information and OER Basics Series

The ASCCC OERI is reviewing the ZTC data provided by the colleges that are participating in ZTC Acceleration Grant Collaboration Cohorts. While we are still in the process of gathering information from all participating colleges, we know the impacted colleges are anxious for this work to begin.

The OERI is aware that the timing of the information ask was challenging since it came at the end of the fall term and so we will continue to accept new and updated data. Please don’t hesitate to continue gathering ZTC data and submit it as soon as possible. If you are not involved in this work, please share this communication with those who are. Information about the data collection and submission process can be found on our ZTC Acceleration Grant Collaboration Cohort Information page (tinyurl.com/ZTCCohorts).

As additional information becomes available, the page will be updated. Please also consider attending the upcoming Friday Forum Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Collaboration Cohorts (February 2, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.). The hour-long webinar will be archived and followed by an office hour. Please register for the webinar to attend the office hour.

If you and your colleagues are looking for ways to get started on your ZTC work, please consider engaging in related professional development opportunities. ZTC pathways are made of courses and while some courses may have readily available OER texts, others may not. In the well-established OER landscape of the California Community Colleges, there is often content that someone, somewhere, created for faculty use in courses. Venturing into the OER space without a guide can be challenging.

The ASCCC OERI has a back-to-the-basics OER series starting this Thursday, February 1. Over the next five weeks, every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., faculty will get a chance to gain knowledge, resources, and guidance on the following:

OER, Copyright, and Fair Use
OER Licensing
Searching for OER – best practices and resources
Evaluating OER for accessibility
Advanced Licensing for curation and adaptation.

• OER Basics Series •

The OERI is pleased to offer a series of webinars addressing the foundations of using, adapting, and developing OER to support your local ZTC work.

Thursday, February 1, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Understanding Open Educational Resources (OER), Copyright, and Fair Use

Are you new to OER and interested in learning more? This webinar is an introduction to what OER is and the difference between “open” and “free” resources, copyright basics, and the concept of fair use.

Thursday, February 8, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Introduction to Creative Commons Licensing

Understanding Creative Commons licensing is critical when working with open educational resources (OER). In this interactive webinar we’ll explore the nuances of the various Creative Commons licenses for when a resource is used, adapted, or created.

Thursday, February 15, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Searching for Open Educational Resources (OER)

Looking for OER? This interactive session will cover search strategies for finding OER. Participants will search for resources and leave the webinar with some “go to” sites for locating OER.

Thursday, February 22, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Evaluating Open Educational Resources (OER) for Accessibility

Accessibility is not only a legal and ethical requirement, it is central to creating resources that are inclusive and support the education of all learners. In this webinar, we will provide considerations for accessibility and tools for evaluating content.

Thursday, February 29, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Open Educational Resources (OER) Curation and Advanced Licensing

How do you remix and attribute content with different licenses? How are collections and remixes different and why does it matter? This interactive session is intended for those who are familiar with the Creative Commons licenses and would like to expand their understanding. Bring your questions and licensing challenges.

January 26, 2024 – Subject: Professional Development Opportunity re UDL and Accessibility

Hello ZTC advocates,

Please see below for a great opportunity to learn about Universal Design for Learning and accessibility, specifically as it pertains to OER and ZTC efforts. A modest stipend is available for participants. Please direct questions to the contact information in the linked website.

Thank you, and happy Friday!

James

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

—————————————————————————–

ISKME invites California Community College faculty and staff who have experience using Open Educational Resources (OER) to participate in a pilot that will critically analyze OER during a professional learning series this Spring.

The series will support faculty and staff in making OER more accessible by using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines. The UDL guidelines help faculty evaluate and adapt course materials to reduce barriers and increase accessibility, so that all students can engage in rigorous and meaningful learning. Often, UDL leads to the co-creation of resources with students and ongoing iteration to customize and localize resources.

More details and registration can be found in this Adapting OER to Incorporate UDL information sheet.

December 12, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Office hours to resume Friday Jan 26th

Good Morning Colleagues:

Due to the holidays and winter break schedules across our colleges and at the CCCCO, there will be no further ZTC Office hours for the 2023 calendar year. We will resume ZTC Office hours in 2024 beginning on Friday, January 26^th from 9:00am – 10:00am. The same meeting link will continue to be utilized during the 2023 year for consistency. The Zoom login information is listed below for your convenience. We will proceed meeting on the final Friday of each month at 9:00am during the coming year with the exceptions of May, November and December due to holiday/winter break schedules; however, we can consider alternative dates in these months, if needed. Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful and restful holiday season!

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 873 0220 2896

Join by Telephone

For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location.

Dial:

+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
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November 30, 2023 – Subject: FW: Bay View Analytics Update: November 2023

Hello all,

FYI, I’m sharing below information about a recent study showing that the cost of instructional materials can have a negative impact on student success. You might find this helpful as you articulate the case for your local ZTC projects.

Thank you,

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

Subject: *EXTERNAL* Bay View Analytics Update: November 2023

Understanding the cost of course materials to students

The cost of course materials can have major academic consequences for higher education students. In a recent survey, students reported getting poorer grades or failing courses entirely, and even wavering between chosen majors or institutions, as they struggle to meet their financial obligations. This research, conducted in partnership with Affordable Learning PA (ALPA) and the Partnership for Academic Library Collaboration and Innovation (PALCI), surveyed 4,306 students from 14 participating institutions in Pennsylvania.

Researchers from ALPA and Bay View Analytics will present the full results and insights at a webinar on January 18; click here to register. You can learn more about the project on our website, or download the report (PDF).

Check out our recent presentations

We’ve presented our research at seven conferences in the last two months. In October, we presented at the 2023 EDUCAUSE annual conference to share faculty perspectives on the greater use of technology and learning at a distance — what they believe is working, what is not, and what they think the future will hold. You can download our presentation here (PDF). In late October, we shared our latest findings on the steady growth of OER use and awareness at OLC Accelerate, in Washington DC. You can download our presentation here (PDF).

Earlier this month, we partnered with the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association at the ICDE World Conference in Costa Rica to explore recent data on post-secondary education and educator-optimism for the future. You can download our presentation here (PDF).

As always, you can find more of our recent presentations on our website.

Connect With Us

Bay View Analytics is a statistical research and consulting firm that conducts research and delivers guidance on distance education, open educational resources, clinical trial statistics, and survey design.

Visit our website: www.bayviewanalytics.com. We welcome your comments and feedback on our contact page.

November 30, 2023 – Subject: Collaboration Cohorts FAQ

Good Afternoon Colleagues:

We have had a number of questions from the field regarding Collaboration Cohorts, and we have captured many of these questions and answers for you. Our hope is that this Q &A list will provide additional guidance and information for your institution regarding participation in the Collaboration Cohorts. Please note that there are some areas of redundancy in the Q & A, but we have attempted to capture the important points of information for your review.

Q. What is the purpose of a Collaboration Cohort and why has my college been asked to participate in one? Why is the college being provided with $25K to participate?

A. The $25K that is allocated for participation in the Collaboration Cohort (per subject matter area), is meant for compensation of the staff that the college identifies to participate in the planning work of the specific cohort. This will involve reviewing the current curriculum and textbook options that are available in current OER, exploring what is available or is already being developed through the efforts of other colleges, and establishing a work plan where colleges either collaborate on the development of OER textbooks, adapt textbooks collectively, or work independently where non-duplication is determined. At the point that the work divisions are determined, then colleges can modify their original program plan financial requests (for more or less funds from the original $25K) depending upon the work that must be done with all colleges that are contributing to the cohort.

Q. What, exactly, are faculty committing to when they sign the cohort document and accept the $25k?

A. The college is agreeing to participate in the cohort by providing information about ZTC for courses that your institution may have already created, reviewing other OER/ZTC information that is available at other colleges or from other resources, and to participate in OER/ZTC curation when possible. In cases where faculty cannot contribute to collaboration on OER development, they can at minimum review and make determinations to adopt or adapt currently available resources when they are available. The $25K is meant to fund the time of the individuals to discuss available resources, share their work plan approach, and examine areas where collaboration to avoid duplication of effort is possible.

Q. Will each individual college be able to determine how to compensate the staff working in the cohort? Or will there be a standard that all colleges must follow?

A. How staff are compensated, whom to send to the cohorts and any fiscal decisions with the $25K are at the discretion of the college. The CCCCO is providing the $25K for the college to use for the purpose of participating in the Collaboration Cohorts, and it is a local decision by the college for how to best use those funds on ZTC related work. Likewise, any additional funds that are requested after the culmination of the Collaboration Cohorts is a local decision and can be spent according to the needs of the institution as long as the funds are spent specifically on ZTC Degree Grant Program related work.

Q. When you say that colleges can modify their original program plan for more or less funds from the original $25K, does this mean that the college can give back any remaining money if they choose not to participate beyond the initial cohort meetings (Feb – May)?

A. The “more or less” funds is in reference to the originally requested amount that the college submitted in the program plan in NOVA. It was the original intent of the college to complete the ZTC program pathway when they submitted the program plan in NOVA, and the work of the collaboration cohort is simply to ensure that the work being performed by multiple colleges in the same academic area will not be duplicative with other institutions. When a college agrees to participate in a collaboration cohort, they are affirming that their institution will proceed beyond the collaboration cohort to complete the ZTC program pathway in the subject matter area. There should not be any reason for a college to return funds or to not proceed forward to complete the program pathway for which they submitted a ZTC Acceleration Grant program plan.

Q. Is it expected that the textbook development work be completed prior to Summer 2024 and with only $25K available to the college?

A. No – the Collaboration Cohorts will initiate the review of resources that various college bring to the cohort and facilitate the planning of development of resources within the subject matter area. After the cohort has ended, then colleges will be able to modify their original ZTC Acceleration program plan, as needed, and can request additional funding to complete the textbook development work in a manner that avoids duplication of effort with other colleges – either by direct collaboration with other colleges’ colleagues or independently based upon the specific situation with each course and textbook development need.

Q. How much time will the collaborations take (weekly meetings, out of meeting time, etc.)?

A. The purpose of the Collaboration Cohort is, initially, to share resources and plans. Once the cohorts are established, colleges will be asked to provide information related to how currently ZTC sections achieved ZTC and their specific plans for the courses that they are planning to convert to zero. After this initial phase, the compiled information will be shared with the cohort members and next steps will be determined. In other words, the work will begin with asynchronous sharing of information – the scheduling of meetings would then follow, where warranted. At least one meeting of each cohort is likely to provide a forum for discussion. Weekly meetings are not anticipated – the funding provided is expected to greatly exceed the compensation that would be required to pay cohort participants for their time.

Q. What happens if we do not “opt-in” into a Collaboration Cohort?

A. Colleges that “opt-out” may have a challenge later trying to demonstrate how their program plan is not duplicative of the work that occurred as a result of the cohort planning and collaboration efforts. Also, they will have less time to develop their ZTC program pathway as it will still be required for students to start in Fall 2026. Colleges that wish to still create a program plan in a subject matter area where cohorts have already occurred will be required to review the planning and collaborative efforts of the Collaboration Cohort’s colleges and demonstrate how their work plan and efforts are not duplicative of the work that occurred through the Collaboration Cohort. Additionally, colleges will not have immediate access to other subject matter cohorts.

Q: If we designate a single discipline lead, is it OK to have other team members participate in the cohort?

A. Yes – the college is opting into the Collaboration Cohort, so it is the college’s discretion regarding whom to send to the Collaboration Cohort. The college can send faculty from the academic department, staff from the library, administrators, or other identified staff as deemed necessary to ensure that the current ZTC/OER assets can be communicated and work plans can be determined. Colleges are, however, expected to identify a specific person to be the college’s primary contact for the work of a specific cohort.

Q. What if the designated person for the collaboration cannot make the meeting time from my college?

A. The goal of the Collaboration Cohorts is to reduce workload by providing resources and options that reduce duplication of effort and allow “work sharing” where possible. Most likely, a college will only need to work on resources for a select number of courses and can gauge their level of involvement in the cohort accordingly. It is the college’s decision for whom they send to the cohort as long as the information obtained, and the work distribution, can be confirmed by the person who is present.

Q. If there are funds remaining from the collaboration can those be used for other ZTC-degree related activities—i.e. supporting ZTC course redesigns, professional development?

A. Yes – funds allocated to the college are to initiate the planning of ZTC program pathway development in a specific subject matter area that avoids duplication of effort with other colleges. How the college utilizes the ZTC Degree Grant Program funds is a local decision, but the funding must directly support the ZTC development purposes.

Q. How many cohorts will there be and can we have a list of all the colleges participating in each cohort?

A. The CCCCO and ASCCC OERI have identified 30 subject matter areas where formal Collaboration Cohorts are needed to support colleges in the development of their respective ZTC program pathways without duplication in a manner that can be documented to demonstrate compliance to the legislative requirement.

Q. Can colleges participate in the cohorts even if not invited?

A. Unfortunately, due to the timelines and work that must be accomplished in the cohorts, colleges that were not invited will not be able to join. However, following the cohorts’ work and reports, all colleges will have access to the collaborative planning information.

Q. Is the $25,000 used to create OER, or if ZTC already exists, can those funds be used to purchase materials (such as lab kits) to make the courses ZTC?

A. The $25K, per academic program, is available as initial funds to begin work on the ZTC pathway by participating in the Collaboration Cohort(s). It is a college-level decision for how the funds will be used, but it should align with the expenditures that were outlined in the original program plan submitted in NOVA. The example of “lab kits” would need to be better defined; however, only textbooks and lab books are required to be zero cost for students to achieve a ZTC pathway. Additional instructional materials such as goggles, gloves, shoe covers, etc. are not ZTC Degree Grant Program expenses and are not required to be provided at no-cost to students for a program to meet ZTC requirements.

Q. Who will be running the cohorts?

A. The OERI will be identifying an individual to lead each of the cohorts. A faculty member either in the discipline and/or with curriculum and OER experience will facilitate the work of each cohort.

Q: Our “content” classes are already ZTC. We were hoping to get the last few classes outside of that area converted. Should we still join the collaboration?

A. Yes! A college that already has achieved ZTC for all core requirements will first share out the OER/ZTC that they currently are using, be informed of additional OER/ZTC that other colleges might be using and explore opportunities as a professional cohort for improvements of currently existing resources (text materials, ancillaries, etc.) that can be made. After this, cohort participants can interact with other cohorts for courses that they may still need to develop in other subject matter areas. The opportunity to see and potentially collaborate on what is being created and is available state-wide (both within and outside the major) is a unique opportunity. Your college can choose whom they choose to send to the Collaboration Cohort – it can be your ZTC lead or the subject matter faculty. Often, seeing what is being developed can spark inspiration and opportunity to contribute to the improvement of available resources.

Q: What if we joined this cohort and attended the meetings, but it looked like this was becoming too much of a commitment or the meetings were scheduled at times when we had class or other committee obligations, and we wanted to step down?

A. The goal of the collaboration cohorts is to reduce workload by providing resources and options that reduce duplication of effort and allow “work sharing” where possible. Regular meetings would only be scheduled if needed to work out the details of a planned collaboration. A college that agrees to participate is agreeing to proceed forward and complete the ZTC program pathway by Fall 2026. A college cannot go to the cohort(s), use the funding to review content in the subject matter area, and then not complete the program pathway for their students. This was originally noted in the assurances when the program plans were submitted in NOVA. Most likely, a college will only need to work on a select number of course textbooks and can gauge their level of involvement in the cohort accordingly. It is the college’s decision for whom they send to the cohort as long as the information obtained and work distribution can be confirmed by the person who is present.

Q: What if other colleges were not interested in our project or did not support this idea?

A. If colleges, after reviewing the available resources and work plans, determine that they want to go a different route in the creation of their ZTC textbooks, then this is allowable as long as the work can be documented to be reasonably unique. The work plan reports from the OERI will need to demonstrate how the work was non-duplicative. The intent is not to “box” in the faculty members regarding “who” must do particular aspects of the work, but it is rather to demonstrate that the work performed by the colleges was collaborative with other institutions or that the work completed by the college was unique. Therefore, another college will not be able to dictate to your faculty the work that they must do. Instead, this is a partnership with areas of uniqueness being documented and demonstrated.

Q: What if we have very different ideas on how to develop the project?

A. In situations where significant differences exist between colleges, then unique work will be done by each college to achieve their objectives, and this will be documented by the OERI to cover the colleges and ensure that they were compliant with the grant funds.

Q: Are there any penalties when things do not work out?

A. When the colleges submitted the original program plans requesting funds to complete the program pathway, it was done with an assurance that the program pathway would be completed by Fall 2026. The Collaboration Cohorts will help facilitate collaboration toward this goal where possible, document where work is unique, and justify that the grant awards given to each institution to develop a similar major ZTC program pathway was not done blindly with duplication. Colleges need to complete the ZTC program pathway once the allocation is made – noting that the college can come back with a modified budget when/if the work plan changes because of possible work-sharing and collaboration within the Collaboration Cohort.

Q: Are our faculty/cohort attendees only committing to information sharing, discussion, and planning with the cohort group?

A. Yes, this is the work that will happen in the Collaboration Cohorts. However, your college is committed to completing the ZTC program pathway by Fall 2026.

Q. What would happen if they decide to not proceed with the cohort? Do we refund all or part of the $25k? Do we pay our faculty for their time participating with the cohort and return the remaining funds?

A. It is important to note that the Collaboration Cohorts will not be dictating work assignments to your faculty regarding the work that is needed. Instead, this is a partnership with areas of uniqueness being documented and demonstrated. If a college decides to not proceed to create the ZTC program pathway at their college after an award is made (either in cases of being awarded to participate in a Collaboration Cohort or when a college has been independently awarded), then the college might be required to return the funds.

Q. What if there are existing OER, but the texts are not acceptable to our faculty members? Will the CO fund the creation of another title for the same subject matter if it has a very different focus or theme?

A. Instructors are clearly the content experts for their courses, and we are hopeful that very positive collaboration will occur. The cohorts are being facilitated by the ASCCC OERI, so the expertise and recognition of faculty insights concerning the development of course texts and students’ needs will be honored. By instructors having the opportunity to work together, we are confident that places of mutuality, and also of diversity, regarding viewpoints and approaches to the work will be respected throughout the process. If colleges, after reviewing the available resources and work plans, determine that they want to go a different route in the creation of their ZTC textbooks, then this is allowable as long as the work can be documented to be reasonably unique. Ultimately, the college will need to produce a ZTC program pathway for the subject matter area, and the work plan reports from the OERI will need to demonstrate how the work done by the college was non-duplicative. The intent is not to “box” in the faculty members regarding “who” must do particular aspects of the work, but it is rather to demonstrate that the work performed by the colleges was collaborative with other institutions or that the work completed by the college was unique. Colleges need to complete the ZTC program pathway once the allocation is made – noting that the college can come back with a modified budget when/if the work plan changes because of possible work-sharing and collaboration within the Collaboration Cohort.

Q: If we were mostly going to adopt textbooks for our college’s proposed ZTC degrees, should we still accept?

A. Yes! Participation in the Collaboration Cohorts does not obligate your faculty to be involved in the creation of chapters of textbooks or ancillaries. The funding level, of course, would likely remain at the $25K for time of involvement in the cohort and for review of the created materials. One of the great benefits for colleges is the opportunity to glean from the work of others through the Collaboration Cohorts! Colleges that review and adopt OER that is either presently available or that is created by collaboration in the cohorts is non-duplication of effort.

November 27, 2023 – Subject: ZTC: Spring Professional Development Courses Now Open for Enrollment

Hello everyone,

I’m happy to announce our Spring 2024 ZTC professional development courses. Thanks to our colleagues with CVC, you can register now for our courses via the @ONE catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Fall 2024. Completers will earn an @One badge and may elect to earn continuing education units.

I’m also excited to let you know that we’re adding a new course, dedicated to exploring Generative AI and OER (see below).

Making the Case for ZTC: Pathways to Equity

This course explores the fundamental connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), Guided Pathways (GP), and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) pathways. You will employ an equity cognitive frame to examine the impact of textbook costs on student success, and the disproportionate impact on historically underserved students. You will also dig into the growing research on OER efficacy, consider the “what” and “why” of Guided Pathways, and review successful ZTC pathways, across the state and beyond. You will leave this course understanding how OER and ZTC pathways promote student success and reduce equity gaps, supporting the Vision for Success of the California Community Colleges.
This data-rich course will help colleagues advocating for OER adoption and ZTC pathway development to make their case.

Building a Team: Training OER Support Staff

Designed for those who coordinate or aspire to lead OER programs, “Building a Team: Training OER Support Staff” will help you to understand and implement key elements of an OER/ZTC workflow, ranging from searching for and sharing OER to formatting documents, using appropriate attributions and licensing, as well as ensuring accessibility.
This workflow-focused course will benefit those leading or preparing to lead local ZTC programs.

Teaching with OER and Open Pedagogy for Equity

This course explores the connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), open pedagogy, and culturally responsive pedagogy. You will look at a variety of real-world examples (e.g., non-disposable assignments, open student projects, open course design, culturally-relevant OER) and be asked to consider: how might you implement these approaches in your own teaching? What are some concrete actions you can take in your own course to create more culturally responsive spaces for your students and transform your teaching and learning using OER or open pedagogy?
This pedagogy focused course will benefit teaching faculty and those supporting innovation in teaching (e.g., instructional designers and teaching and learning center staff).

Navigating the Future: Open Education with Generative AI

This course explores the connections between Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Open Educational Resources (OER), and Open Pedagogy. You will gain essential AI literacy and practice using one or more AI tools as well as review the basics of OER and Open Pedagogy. Then, you will explore strategies for harnessing AI to create or adapt OER, while identifying opportunities to collaborate with students. You will also dig into the ethical considerations related to employing AI in open education as well as evolving practices for licensing and attributing work created with generative AI.
This exploratory course should benefit anyone involved in creating, discovering, or re-mixing OER.

More details and enrollment are available in the @One catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Fall 2024.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

College of the Canyons

Technical Assistance Provider, ZTC Grant Program

California Community College Chancellor’s Office

November 1, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Program Plans with duplication and Collaboration Cohorts

Dear ZTC Leads:

We’re excited to share with you a collaborative approach facilitated by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) to help colleges proceed with the development and implementation of zero textbook cost (ZTC) program pathways. The CCCCO and the ASCCC have developed a solution to address the legislative restriction against permitting duplication of ZTC program pathway grants in a subject matter. Ed Code § 78052 states that the CCCCO shall “ensure that a grant does not result in the development or implementation of duplicate degrees for a subject matter to avoid duplication of effort and ensure the development and implementation of the greatest number of degrees for the benefit of the greatest number of students.” Colleges are encouraged to establish ZTC pathways for all their degrees and CTE certificate programs; however, a means for allowing ZTC program pathways creation in the same subject matter at multiple colleges created a significant challenge.

Colleges that submitted (or will submit) ZTC program plans that are likely duplicative within a subject matter will be invited to participate in a Collaboration Cohort, organized by academic program, for the purpose of determining if collaborative work that avoids duplication of effort is warranted. As part of Collaboration Cohort, colleges will learn more about what open educational resource (OER) options exist for courses, discuss their specific needs, learn what other colleges are planning, craft a joint plan to address gaps in pathways, and potentially co-create OER to fill these gaps. If collaboration across colleges is warranted, a plan will be developed for submission by all participating colleges to obtain any additional funding that is required. The goal is to identify opportunities for collaboration, when appropriate, and share workloads where beneficial.

Colleges that submitted a potentially duplicative ZTC program plan are encouraged to participate in a Collaboration Cohort. For colleges that opt-in, the initial grant award shall be in the amount of $30,000, per program plan, that has been identified as being potentially duplicative. Of the $30,000 amount initially awarded, $5,000 will be allocated to the ASCCC Open Educational Resources (OERI) to facilitate the Collaboration Cohort. If collaboration across colleges is warranted, a plan will be developed for submission by the participating colleges to obtain any additional funding that is required. Following the outcome of the Collaboration Cohort, colleges will be provided the opportunity to request additional funds, up to $170,000, for work that could still exist to complete the specific ZTC program pathway.

The CCCCO identified the ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative (OERI) as having the experience supporting both individual instructors and groups of faculty to curate, adapt, and author online educational resources (OER). The OERI possesses a network of OER liaisons and Discipline Leads across the state, and the OERI is deeply connected to the ASCCC’s work on curriculum. In short, the OERI is the ideal organization to lead collaboration efforts amongst colleges that will result in creation of ZTC program pathways across the State.

Colleges that do not opt-in to participate in a Collaboration Cohort will be required to wait for the resulting report developed by the cohort and review work plans to ensure against duplication of effort before their submitted program pathways can be considered for funding. Therefore, it is highly recommended that colleges take advantage of the opportunity to work strategically with other colleges and have an advanced opportunity to begin development of the respective ZTC program pathway(s).

I have provided a visual description of the Collaboration Cohorts process in the attached flowchart (please note, a remediated version of the chart will be sent via the ZTC listserv as soon as it is available). The flowchart outlines the steps that the CCCCO, the colleges, and the ASCCC OERI will follow to ensure that potentially duplicative program remain true to the legislative mandate. The Chancellor’s Office will be inviting colleges to participate in Collaboration Cohorts between November 20 – November 30 based upon their respective academic programs. The college’s ZTC Program Leads and Program Approvers who are listed in NOVA will receive an email, per duplicative program plan, that provides a Collaboration Cohort document that is to be signed and returned to the ztc@cccco.edu email account. Using the Collaborative Cohort agreement document, colleges can agree to proceed with participation in Collaboration Cohorts and building ZTC pathway programs in the respective duplicative subject matter area. Colleges that do not wish to participate in a Collaboration Cohort will have the opportunity to decline participation on the Collaboration Cohort document.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

Program Specialist

Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office

Educational Services and Support Division

October 10, 2023 – Subject: Status update on ZTC Acceleration Grant program plans

Good Morning Colleagues:

We are continuing to review ZTC Acceleration Grant program plans and have made approvals as recently as this morning. Only two program plan denials have been made due to submitted certificates not being CTE as required to meet legislative requirements. Otherwise, all remaining program plans are still active and remain in the review process. To date, 22 colleges have received award notifications with 43 program plans being approved. Colleges in each region of the state, school size (small, medium & large), and service area (rural, suburban & urban) have received awards. We are continuing to conduct program plan reviews and will continue contacting colleges when determinations for approval can be made.

If your college is still awaiting response for some (or all) of your submitted program plans, the delay is likely due to other colleges submitting program plans that has a potential for duplication related to degrees/CTE in similar subject matter areas. At the time that colleges submitted their respective program plans, it was not possible to know which program plans would be submitted by other colleges throughout the state. Thus, colleges understandably submitted program plans that resulted in potential duplication. The legislation (78052) requires that the “Chancellor’s office shall ensure that a grant does not result in the development or implementation of duplicate degrees for a subject matter to avoid duplication of effort and ensure the development and implementation of the greatest number of degrees for the benefit of the greatest number of students.” As such, we are collecting program plans that have potential for duplication and are working on a solution that will still lead to program plan approvals. So far, the most duplicated degree/CTE subject matter areas include:

Early Childhood Education
Psychology
Sociology
History
Business Administration (or Business-related programs)
English
Political Science
Teacher Education
Administration of Justice
Biology
Multimedia, Television, Film, Visual Arts
Journalism

To address this issue and support colleges in the development and implementation ZTC Program Pathways, the Chancellor’s Office is partnering with the ASCCC OERI to develop a means to have colleges work together in a facilitated cohorts corresponding to degree/CTE certificate subject matter areas. This will likely include a review of each college’s curriculum to determine areas of duplication, an exploration of available OER by subject matter, and coordination of colleges’ course conversion work to “avoid duplication of effort.” By working with the OERI to develop coordination cohorts, our goal is to maximize approvals of ZTC Acceleration Grant program plans and meet the requirements of the legislation. More information will be provided as the details of this effort are solidified. As has been stated in our presentations and in the ZTC Office hours, our goal is to work toward “yes” for colleges’ program plans (including those already received and those that are yet to be received) and most importantly – to reduce the cost burden for our students. Many thanks to each of you for your patience, dedication, time, and contributions to this highly important work!

Collegially,

Chad Funk

Program Specialist

Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office

Educational Services and Support Division

September 25, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Acceleration Grant program plans review information

Dear ZTC Colleagues:

Thanks to all colleges that submitted ZTC Acceleration Grant program plans requesting funds to develop and implement zero cost textbook program pathways. Due to the positive response and creativity demonstrated by the colleges, we had a significant number of program plans submitted by the September 15, 2023 deadline. The Chancellor’s Office has started providing notification to colleges that were selected as initial recipients of ZTC Acceleration Grant fund awards. If your college has not yet received a response to your program plan(s), or if your college only received a response regarding specific program plans that were submitted, this is because the program plan review is still in-process. We will continue to announce additional awards to colleges on a rolling basis as we proceed to review the significant number of program plans that were submitted.

September 21, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Implementation Grant program plan submission due October 31

Dear Zero Textbook Cost College Leads/Plan Approvers:

The purpose of this email is to provide valuable information updates regarding the ZTC Implementation Grant. Thank you to the colleges that submitted ZTC Acceleration Grants or are in the process of submitting ZTC Acceleration Grants.

ZTC Implementation Grant Program Plan submission updates

The Chancellor’s Office issued $20K in July 2022 (ZTC Planning Grant) and $180K to every college in March 2023, via apportionment, to support the development and implementation of at least one ZTC Program Pathway per college to increase low-cost educational opportunities for students. As a condition of receiving the ZTC Implementation Grant funds, every college shall submit their ZTC Implementation Grant Program Plan in NOVA by October 31, 2023. The ZTC Implementation Grant information must not replicate the ZTC Acceleration Grant program plan that your college may have submitted or may be preparing to submit. The ZTC Implementation Grant will be available in NOVA on September 22. If you need access to NOVA, please contact us at ZTC@cccco.edu.

ZTC Implementation Grant Program Plan Key Dates

ZTC Implementation Grant program plan available in NOVA	September 22, 2023
ZTC Implementation Grant program plan deadline	October 31, 2023
ZTC Implementation Grant progress and fiscal report #1	December 31, 2024
ZTC Implementation Program Pathway active at college	Fall 2025 semester
ZTC Implementation Grant progress and fiscal report #2	December 31, 2025
Final program and fiscal report	December 31, 2026

ZTC Implementation Grant Program Plan Professional Development and Technical Assistance

The Chancellor’s Office will continue to provide program guidance and compliance expectations through webinars and direct communications to program coordinators (please see Guidance Memo ESS 23-27). If NOVA guidance is needed, there are NOVA video tutorials available online. For a new login or access to NOVA, please visit the request access page. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the ZTC Program at ztc@cccco.edu.

Collegially yours,

September 13, 2023 – Subject: NOVA budget and question 22 issues

Good Afternoon All:

It has come to our attention that there are two known problems in the NOVA Acceleration Grant program plan application. Both issues are due to the publication of a template in NOVA that was one-version-old; this was not discovered until the data collection instrument had gone live. We are unable to correct this issue in NOVA now because it would reset the information that colleges have already submitted.

In the budget section, Question #9 (and #19 & #29 for colleges that are submitting multiple program plans) shows the 6000 line as “Indirect Cost.” For clarification, 6000 is for any Capital Outlay in the budget and 7000 is for Other Outgoing Indirect Cost. If your college will have Capital Outlay expenses, then it is recommended that a description of the capital outlay expenses be included for explanation in the attachments section.

For colleges that are submitting a third program plan in NOVA, Question #22 is limited to 100 characters. For this section, colleges can provide the number of courses that are already available to students in the program pathway. If the character space allows, then the courses descriptions can be specified. However, if the space is not sufficient, then please provide as much information as possible (e.g. “6 courses: MATH 15A, PSYC 200, HIST 1A, ETHN 100, and two others.).

Thank you for your understanding,

August 30, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Professional Development Courses Open for Registration

Hi everyone,

Seats are still available for our first fall sections of ZTC professional development courses, starting next week! Please see the details below and at the relevant links.

As the ZTC Grant Program Technical Assistance Provider, I’m please to let you know that our Fall 2023 ZTC professional development courses are available for registration. Thanks to our colleagues with CVC, you can register for our courses via the @ONE catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Fall 2023. Completers will earn an @One badge.

Descriptions of the ZTC courses are below. More details, including course outcomes and dates, are available in the @One catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Fall 2023.

Making the Case for ZTC: Pathways to Equity

This course explores the fundamental connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), Guided Pathways (GP), and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) pathways. You will employ an equity cognitive frame to examine the impact of textbook costs on student success, and the disproportionate impact on historically underserved students. You will also dig into the growing research on OER efficacy, consider the “what” and “why” of Guided Pathways, and review successful ZTC pathways, across the state and beyond. You will leave this course understanding how OER and ZTC pathways promote student success and reduce equity gaps, supporting the Vision for Success of the California Community Colleges.
This data-rich course will help colleagues advocating for OER adoption and ZTC pathway development to make their case.

Building a Team: Training OER Support Staff

This course is tailored for those overseeing OER projects. Anchored in the OER Competency Framework, this course delves into the foundations of OER, including citation, licensing, and technical requirements like accessibility and formatting. Participants will also learn the intricacies of sharing and managing OER effectively.
This process focused course will benefit colleagues directing or supporting OER and ZTC projects or establishing an OER support team.

Teaching with OER and Open Pedagogy for Equity

This course explores the connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), open pedagogy, and culturally responsive pedagogy. You will look at a variety of real-world examples (e.g., non-disposable assignments, open student projects, open course design, culturally-relevant OER) and be asked to consider: how might you implement these approaches in your own teaching? What are some concrete actions you can take in your own course to create more culturally responsive spaces for your students and transform your teaching and learning using OER or open pedagogy?
This pedagogy-focused course will benefit teaching faculty and those supporting innovation in teaching (e.g., instructional designers and teaching and learning center staff).

Please let us know if you have any questions.

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources, and Distance Learning

Technical Assistance Provider, CCC ZTC Program

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, CA 91390

661.362.3632

August 28, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Acceleration Grant Information Session

Hello,

Thank you to those who were able to attend the ZTC Acceleration Grant Information Session last Tuesday, 8/22.

Attached here is a PPT used to share information about ZTC Grant Program funding to date, Acceleration Grant program plan timeline, and technical assistance/support.

Additional ZTC Acceleration Grant information sessions are scheduled

Tuesdays, 12 – 1 pm
- August 29
- September 5
- September 12
Via Zoom: https://canyonsonline.zoom.us/j/83575289954

The Chancellor’s Office will continue to host Ongoing ZTC Drop-in Office Hours

Last Friday of the month from 9:00-10:00 am
- September 29
- October 27
Via Zoom: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/87302202896

Thank you,

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources and Distance Learning

CCC ZTC Technical Assistance Provider

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, CA 91390

661.362.3632

August 24, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Professional Development Courses Open for Registration

Hello everyone,

As the ZTC Grant Program Technical Assistance Provider, I’m pleased to let you know that our Fall 2023 ZTC professional development courses are available for registration. Thanks to our colleagues with CVC, you can register for our courses via the @ONE catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Fall 2023. Completers will earn an @One badge.

Descriptions of the ZTC courses are below. More details, including course outcomes and dates, are available in the @One catalog of classes: ZTC Professional Development Fall 2023.

Making the Case for ZTC: Pathways to Equity

This course explores the fundamental connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), Guided Pathways (GP), and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) pathways. You will employ an equity cognitive frame to examine the impact of textbook costs on student success, and the disproportionate impact on historically underserved students. You will also dig into the growing research on OER efficacy, consider the “what” and “why” of Guided Pathways, and review successful ZTC pathways, across the state and beyond. You will leave this course understanding how OER and ZTC pathways promote student success and reduce equity gaps, supporting the Vision for Success of the California Community Colleges.
This data-rich course will help colleagues advocating for OER adoption and ZTC pathway development to make their case.

Building a Team: Training OER Support Staff

This course is tailored for those overseeing OER projects. Anchored in the OER Competency Framework, this course delves into the foundations of OER, including citation, licensing, and technical requirements like accessibility and formatting. Participants will also learn the intricacies of sharing and managing OER effectively.
This process focused course will benefit colleagues directing or supporting OER and ZTC projects or establishing an OER support team.

Teaching with OER and Open Pedagogy for Equity

This course explores the connections between equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), open pedagogy, and culturally responsive pedagogy. You will look at a variety of real-world examples (e.g., non-disposable assignments, open student projects, open course design, culturally-relevant OER) and be asked to consider: how might you implement these approaches in your own teaching? What are some concrete actions you can take in your own course to create more culturally responsive spaces for your students and transform your teaching and learning using OER or open pedagogy?
This pedagogy-focused course will benefit teaching faculty and those supporting innovation in teaching (e.g., instructional designers and teaching and learning center staff).

Please let us know if you have any questions.

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources, and Distance Learning

Technical Assistance Provider, CCC ZTC Program

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, CA 91390

661.362.3632

August 21, 2023 – Subject: Guidance Memo ESS 23-37 – Zero Textbook Grants Program Updates & Acceleration Grants

Dear Colleagues:

Attached, please see the guidance memo from the State Chancellor’s Office regarding the Zero Textbook Grants Program and Acceleration Grants. Also, the Chancellor’s Office will host four more information sessions to support colleges’ submission of the ZTC Acceleration Program Plans. The next sessions will be offered on August 22, 29, September 5 and 12 from 12:00 – 1:00pm (use link to join). In the meantime, if you have questions regarding the ZTC Acceleration Grants, including access to NOVA and/or adding a new program lead contact, please contact us at ZTC@cccco.edu.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

Program Specialist

Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office

Educational Services and Support Division

(916) 445-1774

* cfunk@cccco.edu

August 17, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Acceleration Grant Program Plan applications open in NOVA

Dear Colleagues:

We are pleased to announce that the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Acceleration Grant Program Plan is now available in NOVA. The Chancellor’s Office strongly encourages all colleges interested in developing and implementing ZTC programs by Fall 2026 to apply for the Acceleration Grant by submitting their program plans by September 15, 2023. The Chancellor’s Office recognizes that there are limiting factors locally that may make the one-month turnaround time to submit a final Program Plan challenging for some colleges; therefore, the Chancellor’s Office has built in flexibility to allow for the submission of a partial Program Plan (i.e., at minimum the Contact Information and Intent to Apply section) in NOVA by the September 15^th deadline. Please see attached for an example of the Program Plan for your reference. The Chancellor’s Office will distribute a guidance memo with additional details by Monday, August 21, 2023.

Please see below for the key Acceleration Grant dates for Fall 2023

Acceleration Program Plan Release	August 15, 2023
Acceleration Program Plan Information Sessions 12:00 – 1:00pm; Join Zoom Accerleration Program Information Sessions	August 15, 22, 29 and September 5^th & 12^th
Acceleration Program Plan Submission	September 15, 2023
Award Selection and Awardee Notification begins	September 22, 2023
Grant Allocation through Apportionment begins	October 2023

The Chancellor’s Office will host four more information sessions to support colleges’ submission of the ZTC Acceleration Program Plans. They will be offered on August 22, 29, September 5 and 12 from 12:00 – 1:00pm (use link to join). In the meantime, if you have questions regarding the ZTC Acceleration Grant, including access to NOVA and/or adding a new program lead contact, please contact us at ZTC@cccco.edu.

Collegially,

Chad Funk

Program Specialist

Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office

Educational Services and Support Division

( (916) 445-1774

* cfunk@cccco.edu

August 15, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Acceleration Grant Information Sessions

Hello,

Thank you to everyone who attended today’s first information session to learn about the ZTC Acceleration Grant Program Plans.

Attached here is a PPT that I used to share information about ZTC Grant Program funding to date, Acceleration Grant program plan timeline, and technical assistance/support.

Additional ZTC Acceleration Grant information sessions are scheduled for Tuesdays, 12 – 1 pm on:

August 22
August 29
September 5
September 12

Via Zoom: Join ZTC Acceleration Grant information sessions

The Chancellor’s Office will continue to host Ongoing ZTC Drop-in Office Hours

Last Friday of the month from 9:00-10:00 am.
- August 25
- September 29
- October 27
Via Zoom: Join ZTC Drop-in Office Hours

Thank you!

James

——————————–

James Glapa-Grossklag

Dean, Educational Technology, Learning Resources, and Distance Learning

Technical Assistance Provider, CCC ZTC Program

OER Fellow, Michelson 20MM Foundation

College of the Canyons

Santa Clarita, CA 91390

661.362.3632

June 29, 2023 – Subject: Final Reminder and Clarification for ZTC Phase 1 Fiscal Report Due June 30, 2023

Please note, the following ZTC message was distributed on the SEA Program listserv.

Good afternoon ZTC Programs,

Thank you to the 72 colleges that have submitted their ZTC Phase 1 fiscal report. If you have already submitted, please review the important notes below to ensure it was submitted correctly.

For colleges who have not submitted, this is a friendly reminder that the ZTC Phase 1 Fiscal Report is due tomorrow, June 30, 2023 COB in NOVA. If your college needs an extension, please email ztc@cccco.edu to request one.

A few important things to note:

The fiscal report will need to account for the entire $20,000 Phase 1 grant allocation, the “Total Remaining” in NOVA will need to be zero $0.
- If you have spent the entire $20,000, please include all expenses.
- If you have spent a portion of the $20,000, please report funds expended AND report how you plan to spend the remaining funds in the various categories as well.
- If you have spent $0, please report how you plan to spend the $20,000.
- If you have already submitted and did not report on the entire $20,000, please “un-submit” your report, revise and resubmit.
Only people listed as Project Lead Contacts will have the ability to edit and submit the Fiscal Report in NOVA. Alternate Lead Contacts will not have the ability to edit the Fiscal Report.
- Adding additional Project Lead Contacts:
  - The person that is already designated as the Project Lead Contact will need to open ZTC Phase 1 Plan
  - Click on the Contacts tab of the workflow
  - Click on +Add Contact located beneath the list of Alternate Project Lead Contacts.
  - Click on the drop-down menu and select Project Lead Contact and then click Next
  - Enter the email address of the person that you would like to designate as a Project Lead Contact
  - Click on Add Role
  - Once listed as a Project Lead Contact, you will then have the ability to edit and submit the Fiscal Report in NOVA.
The “Program Report” previously included in NOVA has been removed. No program narrative report is required for Phase 1.
Questions, support, extension requests, please email ztc@cccco.edu

ZTC Office Hours

Ongoing ZTC drop-in office hours occur on the last Friday of the month from 9:00-10:00 am. The next scheduled office hours are June 30, July 28, August 25 and September 29th. To join, use this link.

Contact Us

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at ZTC@cccco.edu if you would like to be added to the ZTC listserv.

Many thanks for all that you do and have a splendid day!

June 23, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Office Hours

ZTC Office Hours

An error has been brought to our attention on the dates of the regular ZTC Office hours. We apologize for any inconvenience for those that tried to join this morning.

For clarification, ZTC drop-in office hours occur on the last Friday of the month from 9:00-10:00 am. The next scheduled office hours are June 30, July 28, August 25 and September 29th. To join, use this link to the ZTC drop-in office hours.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to ztc@cccco.edu.

Have a wonderful weekend!

June 20, 2023 – Subject: ZTC: Professional Development Course Registration

Hello!

As ZTC Technical Assistance Provider, we’re excited to announce our first professional development course: Making the Case for ZTC: Pathways to Equity, July 10-August 5. Registration is now open!

Registration

Register at the following link: https://formfaca.de/sm/dhiogDvMB
Registration is first-come, first-served. This section has an enrollment limit of 30, so register today! The deadline to register is July 7 @noon PDT.

Course Description

This 4-week course explores the fundamental connections between Equity, Open Educational Resources (OER), Guided Pathways, and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) programs. You will employ an equity cognitive frame to examine the impact of textbook costs on student success, and the disproportionate impact on historically underserved students. You will also dig into research on OER efficacy, consider the “what” and “why” of Guided Pathways, and review case studies on successful ZTC pathways, across the state and beyond. You will leave this course understanding how OER and ZTC pathways promote student success and reduce equity gaps, supporting the Vision for Success of the California Community Colleges.

Course Format

This online asynchronous course covers 4 modules and will have two co-facilitators.
Participants will connect weekly through asynchronous discussions and activities, and should expect to spend up to 8 hours per week interacting with one another, the course materials, and the facilitators.
The course will be offered in the CVC instance of Canvas; many thanks to the CVC team for their support!
Register at the following link: https://formfaca.de/sm/dhiogDvMB

Future Courses

We plan to offer this and at least two other professional development courses during the fall term: Training OER Support Specialists and Teaching with OER and Open Pedagogy for Equity. We’ll announce when we have dates set for those course offerings. Another version of this course – designed to be self-paced (no facilitator required) – is also being developed and will be posted to Canvas Commons. We’ll let you know once it’s available.

Questions?

If you have questions about the course Making the Case for ZTC: Pathways to Equity specifically, please contact: Aloha Sargent aloha.sargent@cabrillo.edu.
If you have questions about the ZTC professional development course offerings in general, please contact: ztctap@canyons.edu.

Thank you!

James

June 5, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Program Updates

Greetings,

Please see important Zero Textbook Cost Grant Program updates and reminders below, please email questions to ztc@cccco.edu

ZTC Grants

Phase 1 Planning Grant
- Reminder, the Fiscal Report in NOVA is due June 30, 2023. Please report expenses for the $20,000 grant allocation, if the funds are unspent, report on how the funds will be spent.
- The “Program Report” previously included in NOVA has been removed. No program narrative report is required for Phase 1.
Phase 3 Implementation Grant
- Colleges received $180,000 through apportionment beginning in March 2023, for reference please see Memo ESS 23-04.
- A Phase 3 work plan will be due October 31, 2023 in NOVA. A work plan template will be shared out on the ZTC listserv in June for college to begin collecting the work plan information. We will share an update when the work plan is available in NOVA.
Phase 2 Acceleration Competitive Grants
- Grants will be released in Fall 2023, a release date has not been determined.

ZTC Pathway Readiness Assessment

Last week a ZTC Pathway Readiness Assessment was shared out, this assessment is intended to be a tool for your college to determine the status of your local ZTC progress. It can inform your local planning and assessment of how prepared your college is for ZTC pathway development and competitive funding opportunities. The submitted information will help shape the technical assistance support for colleges and ZTC pathways. If possible please complete the assessment by June 30, however it will remain open through early fall term if your college is unable to complete by June 30. Questions? ztctap@canyons.edu

ZTC Listserv
To subscribe, visit https://listserv.cccnext.net/scripts/wa-cccnext.exe?INDEX

On the home page of the listserv website you will see a list of archives of all the non-confidential listservs hosted by the CCC Technology Center listserv, locate and click on the ZTC list.
You will see a message stating “Not Authorized” or “Login Required” (or similar). Ignore that, and instead click the 3-line “hamburger” icon to open a short menu
Click on the option Subscribe or Unsubscribe, which will open the Subscription Management page for that list
Fill in your name and email address and click Subscribe
Some lists require you to confirm your email address prior to your request being forwarded to the list owner(s) for final approval
Once you have been approved you will receive a notification email from listserv about your new subscription

ZTC Office Hours

Ongoing ZTC drop-in office hours occur on the last Friday of the month from 9:00-10:00 am. The next scheduled office hours are June 30, July 28, August 25 and September 29th. To join, use this link.

June 1, 2023 – Subject: ZTC Pathway Readiness Assessment

We are pleased to share College of the Canyons as the new Technical Assistance Provider for the statewide ZTC Grant Program. We look forward to providing additional information and support in the coming months.

In order to support colleges that are developing ZTC pathways and to inform our approach to supporting colleges, we are sharing a ZTC Pathway Readiness Assessment. This assessment is intended to be a tool for your college to determine the status of your local ZTC progress. It can inform your local planning and assessment of how prepared your college is for ZTC pathway development and competitive funding opportunities. The submitted information will help shape the technical assistance support for colleges and ZTC pathways.

Ideally, the assessment will be completed collaboratively by those who are leading your local ZTC efforts. If at all possible, we are encouraging colleges to complete the short assessment by June 30, but understand that some members of your ZTC team might not be available during the summer, so the assessment will be open through the beginning of the fall term in the hope that you will be able to solicit input from key constituencies.

Click on the following link for the ZTC Pathway Readiness Assessment.

For questions about the assessment, please contact ztctap@canyons.edu