A Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) course is a University of Arkansas class in which students are not required to purchase a textbook. These courses are not exempt from other required fees, such as materials or lab fees; students may be responsible for printing materials.  

Criteria for Qualification

1. The course is described as a "lecture, lecture/laboratory, reading, special topics, applied instruction, or seminar" by the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
2. An application is submitted by February 28 or September 28 of the previous semester.
3. The materials listed on the submitted application use OER, existing library-licensed resources, or faculty-created resources (or a combination) to convey the required content to students and can be confirmed by the Open Education Librarian or Graduate Assistant.
4. Given the erratic nature of library-licensed materials and faculty assignments, this designation must be applied for each semester. A reminder email will be sent to those who have previously obtained this designation.

Courses that employ Inclusive Access or Barnes & Noble First Day Complete are not eligible for this designation.

Annual Schedule

• Online applications are available to submit at any time before the coming semester's deadline.
• Reminder emails for previously designated courses will be sent February 21 and September 21.
• Applications close: February 28 (summer and fall semester) and September 28 (spring semester).
• Review of the applications
  • Confirmation of listed resources as no cost to students (done on a rolling basis, any courses not approved will be informed as soon as possible, allowing for reapplication).
• Information will be reported to the Registrar and Campus Bookstore by March 15/October 12.