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CALM

The Cougars Affordable Learning Materials Program (CALM) is part of the CSU Affordable Learning Solutions initiative started in 2010. CALM aims to aid faculty in replacing costly textbooks with lower cost alternatives by using high-quality, open education

CALM Professional Development Funds Application

Are you a CSUSM faculty member interested in reducing the cost of assigned course materials and textbooks? Have you already reduced these costs in your courses this current academic year?

The Cougars Affordable Learning Materials (CALM) program at CSUSM provides funding to support professional development for faculty who have already reduced or commit to reducing the costs of required course materials.

You do NOT need to offer a zero-cost course to apply for professional development funding.

Email calm@csusm.edu with any questions, and thank you for your interest in reducing the cost of course materials at CSUSM.

For the 23-24 Academic Year, there are TWO options for CALM Professional Development Funding: 

  1. Cougars Affordable Learning Materials (CALM) 
    • This is for NEW courses that have been made zero-cost or reduced cost by at least 30% 
    • Course(s) must be taught between Spring 2023 - Spring 2024
    • Award amount ranges from $500-$1000, depending on the percentage of cost savings 
    • Requires completion of Faculty Showcase 
  2. Faculty Showcase
    • This is for existing Zero Cost Course Materials (ZCCM) courses
    • Complete a Faculty Showcase questionnaire to be published on MERLOT 
    • Award amount ranges from $200-$500, depending on the number of Faculty Showcases completed

Reporting CALMed Courses

If you are not interested in applying for CALM Professional Development Funds but are teaching a zero-cost course, please report you course information down below. Identifying courses that have zero textbook and materials costs in the course schedule is required by California state law (SB 1359).



To learn more about the ZCCM symbol and why it is important to include this information to students registering for classes, visit the Zero-Cost Course Materials page.