The University of New Mexico has been awarded a grant of $2.125 million to create an OER consortium in New Mexico, aiming to save students money on textbooks. UNM has proposed the implementation of a flat-rate automatic textbook billing program for undergraduate students in fall 2025. While some faculty and students are already using Inclusive Access for courses, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of such programs on student outcomes. The automatic textbook billing system has been criticized for potentially inflating the value of materials and not necessarily leading to cost savings for students. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these programs before they are implemented university-wide. Students have also reported lack of awareness about their ability to opt out of the program and skepticism about the actual cost savings. The decision to move forward with these programs should be thoroughly researched and evaluated to ensure positive student outcomes.
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