OpenStax Welcomes 16 New Colleges and Universities to Its Institutional Partner Program

Rice University's OpenStax initiative has welcomed the largest cohort of colleges and universities to its Institutional Partner Program (IPP) since its founding in 2015. Sixteen new institutions have joined the program to give their students free or low-cost access to textbooks and other educational materials.

The organization said it has over 60 titles of open educational resources in its library and will be adding 15 more in 2024.

"This year's cohort is our largest ever — it's inspiring to see so many different types of institutions coming together to nurture OER initiatives and make learning easier and more affordable for their students," said Anthony Palmiotto, director of higher education for OpenStax.

The new members of the IPP are Adrian College, Barry University, Chattahoochee Technical College-Mountain View, Clinton College, Coker University, Collin College-Plano, University of Arkansas-Cossatot Community College, Georgia State University, Meredith College, Motlow State Community College, Pace University-Pleasantville, Southwest Texas Junior College, Texas A&M University-Commerce, University of San Diego, University of South Carolina-Beaufort, and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

The OpenStax IPP has supported more than 80 colleges and universities since its inception, the organization said, and has saved students $2.9 billion. The program puts "customizable, high-quality, peer-reviewed and openly licensed materials into the hands of instructors and learners" for free online or at a low cost in print.

To learn more about how it works, visit OpenStax's About page.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • Complete College America Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), with the goal of helping higher education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

  • teacher

    6 Policy Recommendations for Incorporating AI in the Classroom

    The Southern Regional Education Board's Commission on AI in Education has published six recommendations for states on adopting artificial intelligence in schools, colleges, and universities. The guidance marks the commission's first release since it was established last February, with more recommendations planned in the coming year.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.

  • Two figures, one male and one female, stand beside a transparent digital interface displaying AI symbols like neural networks, code, and a shield, against a clean blue gradient background.

    Report Makes Business Case for Responsible AI

    A new report commissioned by Microsoft and published last month by research firm IDC notes that 91% of organizations use AI tech and expect more than a 24% improvement in customer experience, business resilience, sustainability, and operational efficiency due to AI in 2024.