Z Course/Degree Designation
Z courses/degrees can be defined as courses/degrees that cost less than $40.00 per course in textbook or lab fees.
Some examples:
Link to California Bill requiring Z course/degree designation
Lane Community College (Oregon) Example of OER and Low-Cost Designations
From Lane CC:
Low-cost textbooks/OER course material cannot exceed $40. per course CRN regardless of the number of credits. Course CRN with credits from 1-5 will have a maximum new textbook cost of $40.
When two classes are taught in coordination (such as many ASL classes), each CRN will not exceed $40. for new textbook/course material cost.
The designation “low-cost” will refer to any textbook/course material under $40. when purchased new, and includes copyrighted material, materials used under Fair Use, and materials accessed on the open web.
The designation “OER” refers only to materials that are licensed under a Creative Commons and can be accessed for zero cost (not including access to technology). The cost of a physical copy may not exceed $40.
Other fees—such as materials fees, tech fees—are not included in the $40. limit for low-cost or OER designation.
