Did you know that the cost of instructional materials can influence whether students enroll in your courses? In 2025, Ball State students reported that course material costs significantly affected their decisions to enroll in a course (88%) and to recommend a course to a friend (86%).
The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, in partnership with University Libraries and the Division of Online and Strategic Learning, invites faculty to participate in the Faculty Affordable Course Teams (FACT) program, part of the Textbook Affordability at Ball State (TABS) initiative. TABS is a faculty-driven effort that emphasizes affordability at the individual course level, with a maximum student cost of $40 per course. Courses carry a TABO/TABL designation.
Selected faculty will receive a $500 (RIA account) to support the adoption, adaptation, or creation of open and low-cost educational resources (OER). Faculty may revise readings, assignments, assessments, or other course components and assess the impact of these changes on student learning and satisfaction. Priority consideration will be given to Cardinal Core or high-enrollment courses. Courses will be prepared for Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 implementation.
Participants will receive structured training and ongoing support. The work is primarily asynchronous (April–August 2026), with three required Zoom meetings:
- Friday, March 27, 2026, 9:00-11:00 a.m. EST
- Thursday, June 25, 2026, 9:00-11:00 a.m. EST
- Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 9:00-11:00 a.m. EST
Participants are expected to complete course redesign work, consult with a team member, and share outcomes.
Apply here by February 27, 2026.
Questions? Contact Linh Littleford (lnlittleford@bsu.edu).