Palomar College chosen for OpenStax institutional partnership

SAN MARCOS – Palomar College is one of nine colleges nationwide that has been selected to participate in Rice University’s 2018-2019 OpenStax Institutional Partnership Program, furthering the college’s efforts to provide free to low-cost, peer-reviewed digital textbooks and course resources through open educational resources (OER).

Palomar was chosen in a highly competitive process from among 31 applicants and will begin working with OpenStax to develop institutional plans to encourage the use of OER. The 2018-2019 participating OpenStax institutions are: Arkansas State University, Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Palomar College, San Diego City College, San Jacinto College, Santa Monica College, Thomas Nelson Community College, University of Missouri System and William Rainey Harper College.

OER, which include openly-licensed, peer-reviewed digital classroom materials and textbooks, are free or low-cost alternatives to traditional textbooks. According to the college board, for the 2017-18 academic year, the average student spent over $1,200 for textbooks and course supplies. Many students affirm that textbook costs can be a significant financial barrier.

“We are excited to be chosen to participate in the OpenStax Partnership,” said Joi Lin Blake, Ed.D., Palomar College superintendent/president. “While the college has implemented a number of programs to address student textbook concerns –including a textbook loan program through the Palomar College Foundation – we know that textbook costs remain a burden for many of our students. Through the OpenStax Partnership, Palomar College will continue to be a leader in providing affordable and accessible, quality education for all students within the region. ”