Open Educational Resources

Support Student Success: Empowering UNI students by easing the financial burden of textbooks

This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of University of Northern Iowa (UNI) students. Since 2016, the Rod Library’s Textbook Equity initiative has revolutionized access to education by saving students over $2.4 million on course materials. This groundbreaking program provides high-quality, openly licensed textbooks, ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed—regardless of their financial situation.

The results speak for themselves: students using these Open Educational Resources (OER) have seen improved academic outcomes, including lower course withdrawal and fail rates. The initiative is driven by the dedication of UNI faculty, who have embraced OER and made a significant difference in the lives of their students. Thousands of students have already benefited, but there is more work to be done.

Your support is crucial to expanding this initiative. With your help, we can reach even more students, develop additional resources, and continue to reduce the financial burden of education. Every dollar donated will directly contribute to making textbooks and other learning materials freely available to more students, helping them stay on track and complete their degrees.

By donating this Giving Tuesday, you are not just giving money—you are investing in the future of UNI students. Your generosity will empower students to achieve their academic goals, reduce student debt, and promote educational equity. Together, we can ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed.

Join us in supporting the Open Educational Resources for Students initiative and make a difference today!