​In order to tackle a massive hurdle in college affordability, PIRG Campus Action at UVA wholeheartedly supports implementing open education resources (OERs) at UVA. It is no secret that many students struggle to afford textbooks, and by signing this petition you will be showing that you support the addressing of inequities in the education system and making both affordability and student success a top priority at UVA.

OERs seek to directly address the problem of exorbitant textbook prices. A full course load often entails multiple expensive books, access codes, or course packets that are generally only useful —or even accessible— for one semester. OERs bring alternative resources to the table for college students that allow for course materials to be accessed without unnecessary financial strain to the student.

Making key course materials available to all students is one of the most tangible steps we can take to make college more affordable. Furthermore, easy accessibility to necessary textbooks, access codes, or relevant course packets promotes student success by putting those who struggle to pay for these resources on a level playing field with their peers by eliminating an extra and unnecessary financial burden.

Understanding the sustained need for OER at UVA, we urge the University to immediately begin building the long term infrastructure necessary to facilitate a wide scale transition to open textbooks under the direction of the Library’s Open Educational Resources Office.