VCU Libraries, in support of open and affordable course materials across the VCU community, announces that a new round of VIVA Course Redesign Grants is open for applications. These grants are designed to empower Virginia faculty with the resources and time they need to redesign courses by swapping textbooks and other expensive course materials for open, no cost, or library options.

Applications are due September 30, 2019. Award notification will take place December 9, 2019.

This program will award grants from $1,000 to $30,000 to assist faculty in transitioning to course materials available at no cost to students, such as open educational textbooks and/or library resources. Applications that include multi-institutional partnerships are encouraged.

Proposals fall into three grant classifications:

• Adopt: Those who "adopt" a resource will be using existing resource(s) or with minimal editorial changes.
• Adapt: Those who "adapt" will be modifying resource(s), combining several existing resources with changes, or creating ancillaries for an existing resource. This includes resources created through the curation of currently available materials.
• Create: Those who "create" an OER resource will be creating the content all or largely from scratch.

More information, including the full Request for Proposals, application details, and the evaluation rubric 

Questions about the program may be submitted to viva@gmu.edu. VCU librarians are also available to help faculty in applying for grant funds, identifying multi-institutional partners, and serving as project partners. Interested faculty should contact Jessica Kirschner, open educational resources librarian.

“VCU Libraries is excited about this opportunity to support faculty in their increased use of open and affordable course content across the VCU community,” said Kirschner. “We look forward to seeing creative proposals from VCU faculty for these funds, and are able to help ensure the applications are competitive, whether that means consulting on identifying resources, acting as project partners, or facilitating partnerships with other Virginia institutions, in which VIVA is especially interested.” Additional information on open and affordable course content

Full or part-time faculty may apply. Proposals may involve one person or teams that include: teaching faculty, librarians, instructional designers, subject matter experts, editors, graphic designers, or others as needed.

The Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) administers the grant program. VIVA is a consortium of academic libraries that collaborates on public policy priorities and shares costs and negotiates joint use of resources to strengthen stewardship of state dollars. The Virginia General Assembly and member libraries funds VIVA, which is also sponsored by the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV).

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VCU Libraries will host viewings of informational webinars on both campuses August 29 at 11 a.m. with time for local discussion from noon to 12:30 p.m. The session will include a general introduction to the grants, the application process, and a Q&A.

VIVA will host additional information webinars July 10 and September 26. Additional information, including registration for the webinars, is available online at VIVA Course Redesign Grants page.