✒️ Application Activity

Developing sustainable Open Educational Resources (OER) efforts requires framing OER as a strategic investment tied to your college’s priorities, funding models, and accountability metrics. This discussion will guide you through creating a realistic, institutionally-aligned OER Funding and Budget Plan you could use for campus advocacy, grant proposals, or administrative conversations.

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📍 Step 1: Define the Institutional Goal Your OER Effort Supports

In 2–4 sentences, explain the broader goal your project aligns with (Choose at least one; examples are below)

Student Equity and Achievement (SEAP Plan goals)
Vision 2030 (Equitable Baccalaureate Attainment, Workforce Development, Future of Learning)
Basic Needs Security (Affordability initiatives)
SCFF Metrics (Enrollment, retention, completion)
Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness Goals
Strategic Equity Goals (DEI Framework, Guided Pathways, etc.)

📍 Step 2: Outline Specific OER Project Needs

Identify what you need to accomplish your goal. Possible needs

Faculty stipends for adoption/adaptation/creation
Reassigned time for OER leadership
Student assistant support
Software/platform access (e.g., LibreTexts, Hypothesis)
Accessibility support services
Training and professional development workshops
Marketing and awareness campaigns

📍 Step 3: Draft an Institutional Budget Request

Create a budget table tied to institutional budget categories (sample format below).

Institutional OER Budget
Budget Category	Description	Estimated Cost	Institutional Funding Source
Faculty Compensation	5 stipends at $1,500 for OER creation	$7,500	SEAP/Student Equity
Technology Tools	Pressbooks License, H5P plug-ins	$3,000	Innovation Fund / ZTC Grant
Student Support	Student worker (100 hrs @ $18/hr)	$1,800	General Fund or Learning Resources
Training and PD	3 OER Workshops for Faculty	$600	Professional Development Fund

📍 Step 4: Identify Likely Institutional Funding Sources

Indicate where funding could realistically come from (examples are below)

SEAP (Student Equity and Achievement Program)
ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) grants
General Fund
Strong Workforce Program
Innovation Grants
Professional Development budgets

📍 Step 5: Draft a Strategic Budget Narrative

In 6–8 sentences, write a formal funding request as if you were submitting it to your Dean, VP, or Grants Office.
Your Narrative Should Address

What problem does your project solve (affordability, equity gaps, retention, basic needs)
How it supports institutional plans (Vision 2030, Equity Plan, Educational Master Plan, etc.)
Why funding now is strategic (student success, meeting accreditation goals, aligning with CCCCO and ASCCC resolutions)
How the investment will be leveraged for sustained impact.