MSUM Awarded Z-Degree Grant: Call for Faculty Applicants

Through support from the State of Minnesota Legislature and Minnesota State, MSUM has been awarded a $100,000 grant to create, finalize, and implement a new Z-degree (zero-cost textbook degree) by spring of 2026. MSUM was awarded funds to pursue an associate in arts degree consisting of zero textbook costs for students.

We seek faculty interested in transforming their course materials to zero cost by seeking out existing Open Educational Resources, incorporating library-licensed materials, or creating their own Open Materials. Additionally, we seek faculty who would like to create new courses or transform their existing courses. This opportunity is open to fixed-term, probationary, and tenured faculty members.

Participation in this initiative requires attendance at a Kickoff event (April 22) and targeted professional development to support your work. Expectations and incentive details:

Preference for participation in this initiative will be given to Online LASC courses with large enrollments, high demand, and those listed in the strategic course list.

For more information, please contact oer@mnstate.edu or attend a drop-in Q&A session:

Participation Application (due by March 28): https://forms.office.com/r/YjJN4y6uHJ

Are you already providing zero-cost materials in your course/s? Please fill out this form to ensure you’re included in future communications and our zero-cost course marking project: https://forms.office.com/r/Qq8j6QbaFK

For additional information on the grant and Z-Degree initiative, visit ASA Newsletter’s post.