Rice’s OpenStax launching Free the Textbook initiative
Virtual announcement set for Oct. 21
HOUSTON – (Oct. 19, 2020) – OpenStax, Rice University’s educational technology initiative, is launching Free the Textbook, a nationwide initiative that calls on college and university leaders, educators and students to examine the fine print of their automatic billing programs to make sure they are serving all students — and utilize free textbooks first.
Automatically billing for textbooks and other course materials when they register for courses promises to save students money – but as college students face greater economic challenges than ever before, every dollar can impact their ability to obtain an education.
“Thousands of students, educators and administrators are already enthusiastic about Free the Textbook. This is a critical issue for the future of course materials and ultimately education,” said Daniel Williamson, managing director of OpenStax. “Our hope is that through Free the Textbook we can work to identify the full range of concerns with automatic textbook billing and ensure that these programs really work for every student.”
What: Free the Textbook virtual press conference.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 3:30 p.m. CDT.
Where: Registration available at bit.ly/fttpressconf.
Please contact Symphonie Swift, OpenStax communications specialist, by email at freethetextbook@openstax.org or by phone at 713.348.3425 with all inquiries.
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Related materials:
Website: wefreethetextbook.org
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About OpenStax
OpenStax is committed to improving access to quality learning materials. As an ed tech initiative that is part of Rice University and supported by philanthropic foundations, OpenStax provides free college and Advanced Placement textbooks that are developed and peer-reviewed by educators, as well as low-cost, personalized courseware that helps students learn. For more information, visit http://OpenStax.org.