VIU Is Going ZTC: No Textbook Costs, More Accessible Learning

Big news, VIU students: Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) course markings are on their way! That means starting soon, you’ll be able to see—right in the course registration system—which classes don’t require you to buy a textbook. Instead, all required materials will be free.

This isn’t just a win for your wallet. It’s a step toward a more affordable, equitable education for everyone.

What’s ZTC and Why Does It Matter?

ZTC stands for Zero Textbook Cost. A ZTC course is one where you won’t need to buy a textbook because all the readings and learning materials are free and accessible. These materials might come in a few forms:

• Open Educational Resources (OERs): Free, openly licensed textbooks, videos, slides, quizzes, and more that anyone can use and share.

• Library-licensed content: Readings, eBooks, or videos you can access through the VIU Library.

• Instructor-created materials: Slides, notes, and online content designed specifically for your course.

• Or simply, no textbook required at all.

Textbook costs can be a serious barrier for students—often hundreds of dollars per term. ZTC helps cut that down and makes it easier for everyone to access what they need to succeed on day one.

How We Got Here: VIU’s ZTC Journey

At the BC Federation of Students (BCFS) provincial executive meeting last spring, we heard from BCcampus about how to work with university registrars to get ZTC markings added to course registration systems. Why? Because ZTC = saving students money.

In the first week of the fall term, VIUSU met with VIU’s interim registrar Brittany Parker and her team, who were excited about the idea. She asked for some time to assess whether this could be rolled out systematically at VIU.

In the weeks since that first meeting, we’ve continued working closely with the Registrar’s Office—and we’ve learned that yes, it is possible to implement ZTC course markings at VIU. Now, we’re focused on building the support needed to move it forward—and that includes you.

So far, the response from the VIU community has been incredibly encouraging. Librarians, Deans and Associate Deans, Senior Administrators, CIEL staff, and a number of faculty members have all voiced their support. Many instructors are already using Open Educational Resources (OERs), and others are eager to explore the switch.

Implementation is underway and we couldn’t be more excited!

Why OERs Matter

Open Educational Resources (OERs) are more than just free textbooks. They’re customizable, adaptable, and built to support student learning. Instructors can update them to stay current or tailor them to the specific needs of their students and courses.

OERs help make education more inclusive, reduce financial stress, and ensure that everyone has access to learning materials from day one, not just those who can afford them.

What’s Next: When You’ll See ZTC Markings

Starting Spring 2026, VIU students will begin seeing ZTC course markings in the online registration system. These will clearly show which courses come with zero textbook costs, helping you plan your schedule—and your budget—more easily.

As the system rolls out, we’ll also start gathering data on:

• How many courses are ZTC

• How many instructors are using or switching to OERs

• How much money students are saving

• Student feedback on ZTC courses

This will help track the growth of the ZTC movement and support even more instructors in adopting open, accessible resources.

How You Can Help Grow ZTC

This rollout is just the beginning — and students have real power to help it grow. Here’s how you can support the movement:

• Spread the word: Talk to friends and classmates about ZTC. Encourage them to look for the ZTC label when registering for courses, and start conversations about textbook costs.

• Ask your profs: A simple question can spark change. Try asking, “Could this course be Zero Textbook Cost next year?” It shows there’s student interest — and that matters.

• Send a letter: We’ve made it easy to reach out. Use our [letter-writing tool] to encourage your instructors to explore Open Educational Resources (OERs) and join the ZTC movement. So far, approximately 100 VIU students have written letters. Deadline to submit a letter is November 30th. Letters will be mailed to Profs on December 1.

The more students speak up, the faster this grows.

Bottom Line: Less Cost, More Access

ZTC is a big step toward making VIU more affordable and accessible for all students. Whether you’re in sciences, humanities, trades, or business, you deserve access to quality learning materials without the price tag.

We’ll keep you updated as the ZTC project rolls out—and we’re excited to see how it grows from here.