Proposal FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
All NC State University teaching faculty and Extension agents are eligible to apply for an Alt-Textbook Project Grant. There are two award cycles; one in the fall, and one in the spring.
If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to request a consultation with us!
How is my proposal evaluated?
All grant proposals are reviewed by the Alt-Textbook Committee, a 10-person team from the Libraries and DELTA. Every proposal is assessed using a standardized rubric to ensure a fair and consistent review process. We evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:
- Transformative Impact on Student Affordability
The proposal outlines a project that will positively impact a significant number of students by improving access to course materials and reducing costs in meaningful ways. - Organization, Planning, and Feasibility
The project demonstrates a high level of preparedness, with a realistic timeline, clear goals, and well-defined roles for collaborators. - Impact on Campus
Preference is given to proposals that support interdisciplinary teaching or come from departments and courses not previously funded by the Alt-Textbook Project. - Accessibility
The proposal includes a thoughtful, detailed plan to ensure the resulting materials are accessible to all students. - Prior Consultation with the Libraries
Applicants are encouraged to consult with a Libraries staff member before submitting their proposal to ensure alignment with program goals and available support.
- Transformative Impact on Student Affordability
While proposals that better address these criteria are likely to be more competitive, meeting every criterion below is not a requirement for funding. If you have an idea that supports student access, affordability, or innovative course design, we strongly encourage you to apply.
When will I be notified about my proposal?
All applicants will be notified via email at the end of each grant cycle.
What is the timeline to complete an Alt-Textbook Project?
While we expect grant applications will vary in scope, generally, implementation is required within one calendar year of your proposal being accepted.
Who owns the copyright to my project?
Copyright ownership is determined by university policy. To learn more please set up a consultation.
Does my project have to be released under a Creative Commons license?
Yes. To fulfill the grant’s mission of providing barrier-free access, all funded resources must be released under a Creative Commons license. This requirement ensures that your work can be legally shared and reused by the broader academic community. By removing cost and permission barriers, your project directly supports the goal of making high-quality educational materials accessible to all students and educators.
Which Creative Commons license should I use for my project?
There isn’t a single “right” Creative Commons license to use. The correct choice depends on how you want others to share and reuse your work. We recommend selecting the license that most closely reflects your preferences for openness and attribution.
If your project is supported by an Alt-Textbook grant, it cannot be licensed as “All Rights Reserved.”
View the Creative Commons License Chooser
Will DELTA support my project?
DELTA collaborates with the Libraries to oversee and administer the Alt-Textbook Project. A grant award does not automatically include DELTA’s support in projects which require significant media development. We strongly recommend that you create a consultation with us to assess your needs.
What is the Generative AI policy for Alt-Textbook Projects?
We encourage thoughtful and intentional use of generative AI tools in the creation and adaptation of OERs. Generative AI technologies can support creativity, reduce technical barriers, and increase efficiency. At the same time, their use introduces questions of authorship, bias, attribution, and pedagogical alignment that deserve careful consideration.
To help ensure openness and clarity for beneficiaries, we expect you to be explicit about how these tools will be integrated into your project.
Alt-Textbook Generative AI policy
How should grant funds be used?
Funds allocated to the Alt-Textbook Project are state-appropriated. We will transfer the funds to your department with the intention of those funds being expended that fiscal year. Once transferred, these funds are subject to rules and procedures within your department and college.
How have past recipients used the grants?
The majority of instructors tend to use the grant to hire additional support, such as graduate students, or third-party help for specific pieces of their project, especially concerning multimedia elements.
Can I use grant funds to hire outside contractors or specialists for my project?
Yes. If your grant application is successful, you may use the funds to employ third-party support to help develop your project. However, please keep in mind that any work or resources produced must be released under a Creative Commons license. This ensures that all materials remain consistent with the Alt-Textbook mission of providing barrier-free, accessible resources for the global academic community.
Where will my completed project live?
We’ll work with you to make your work easy for others to find, reuse, and cite. We’ll ensure it has clear licensing and is discoverable within trusted repositories and—if requested—assign a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for a permanent, stable link.
Have any questions?