OER and Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)

Use the Class Schedule Search link to find ZTC courses for the upcoming semester or apply the "Zero and low textbook cost courses" filter listed under "More Options" when starting a new search. Look for the ZTC Icon to find classes with free textbooks and the Low Textbook Cost Icon for classes with less than $40 in course materials. Check out the list of ZTC Pathways below to find degrees and certificates that are entirely zero textbook cost!

Most ZTC courses utilize OER and other electronic resources. Your instructor will provide information about how to access course materials in the syllabus and Canvas modules. If you are having trouble finding or accessing your course materials, reach out your instructor or one of the Oxnard College instructional design experts.

You can learn more about finding and using OER by exploring this LibGuide from the University of Texas! You can also take our OER and ZTC Training for Faculty course on Canvas or contact Cristy Lopez-Bowlin or Robbie Hoile to learn about these initiatives at Oxnard College. Important note: don't forget to list your class as ZTC when you submit your courses for the upcoming semester! This will enable the ZTC Icon so students know your class is ZTC and so we can properly report our statistics.

Email the AA in your division office with the CRN # for courses that you would like marked ZTC on the official class schedule. You are also required to report the XB12 data element (Instructional-Material-Cost) for the section. This element indicates the cost of course materials using a code:

• A: Section has no associated course material
• C: Section has course material costs none of which are passed on to students
• D: Section has low course material costs (total cost $40 or less)
• E: Section uses only no-cost, OER course material
• F: Section uses only no-cost digital course material that does not meet OER guidelines
• G: Section uses a mix of no-cost OER and other cost bearing resources, but no costs are passed to the student
• Y: Section does not meet no-cost or low-cost course material criteria

Open educational resources (OER) are those educational resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under an intellectual property license, such as a Creative Commons license, that permits their free use and repurposing by others. To help you determine the correct XB12 code for your course, use this XB12 Code Helper. chatbot developed by Chad Funk and Cristina Moon for the ASCCC OERI.

General Education for Transfer Requirements (Cal-GETC)

The Certificate of Achievement in CSU GE-Breadth recognizes completion of the California State University (CSU) lower-division general education requirements. CSU GE-Breadth is a series of courses that California community college students can complete to satisfy most freshman/sophomore level general education requirements in preparation for transfer. Separate from CSU GE-Breadth certification, the Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved award that is given by the college, documented on a student’s transcript, and qualifies a student to participate in the annual graduation ceremony.

Completion and certification of CSU GE-Breadth will permit a student to transfer from a California Community College to a California State University generally without the need, after transfer, to take additional lower-division, general education courses to satisfy campus general education requirements.

Oxnard College General Education Requirements

Completion of Oxnard College General Education is required for most AA/AS Degrees, including the Associate Degree (AA) in General Studies Pattern I. All Students pursuing the AA in General Studies Pattern I must complete this GE plan in its entirety (areas A-F). Students completing all other AA/AS degrees that require or allow for this GE plan are only required to complete areas A-E. This GE pattern is not designed to prepare students for transfer. 

There are some AA/AS Degrees that require or allow students to choose an alternative general education plan such as CSU GE-Breadth, IGETC, IGETC for STEM, or the GE pattern of their intended transfer institution.  For information on which GE applies to each major, see General Education Options.

Early Child Education, Associate in Science for Transfer

The Early Childhood Education program offers classes that combine lecture and lab activities. These courses prepare students who are interested in working with young children including those seeking certification to work in a day care facility. Students learn to plan nurturing educational environments and activities that enhance children’s emotional, cognitive and physical development.

A four stage matrix guides career preparation in accordance with California State licensing standards. At Oxnard College, students may complete a certificate program that prepares them for employment as an Assistant Teacher in a public day care facility and complete additional courses in child development and general education to qualify as a Teacher. An Associate of Science degree with a major in Early Childhood Education is available that prepares them for other career options. Areas of specialization include Diversity, Infant/Toddlers and Special Needs. Stipends for study may be available through grants and programs such as the First Five Initiative.

General Studies, Associate in Arts emphasis in:

1. Creative Arts and Humanities
2. Society, Human Behavior, and Culture
3. STEM Fundamentals

The Associate in Arts in General Studies is an interdisciplinary degree, that allows students to choose the general education pattern that aligns with their educational goal, whether that is to complete the AA or to transfer, and also allows students to choose an area of emphasis for their focus.  

Mathematics, Associate in Science for Transfer

Students who complete Mathematics courses will demonstrate critical thinking skills, analyze abstract concepts, and transition from the concrete to the abstract in mathematical thinking.  The Mathematics degree program offers training in both pure and applied mathematics, leading to careers in research, education, business, industry, and government.  Many areas, such as the physical, biological and social sciences, engineering, economics, and business, are dependent upon the use of applied mathematics in developing solutions to practical problems.

Paralegal Studies, Associate in Science

The Paralegal Studies Associate in Science degree at Oxnard College is designed to prepare students to be a paralegal with responsibility for assisting attorneys in preparation of cases for trial or arbitration, researching existing laws, and performing a moderate degree of investigation. Upon completing the major requirements for the Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies, students will be prepared for careers under the supervision of an attorney in law offices, corporations, non-profits, government agencies, courts, and other businesses where knowledge of paralegal practice and training as a paralegal is required.

Physics, Associate in Science for Transfer

Physics is the science of understanding the nature of the observable universe, on both microscopic and macroscopic scales. It spawns from the questions posed by ancient philosophers seeking to understand their existence and the ways of the natural world. Physics ultimately utilizes mathematics, observations, and logic to coherently model the natural phenomena that we encounter daily; from something as simple as how an object falls to something as complex as the ongoing expansion of the Universe. Physics often imbues us with the ability know what will occur given certain parameters and intricacies of a system. This, in turn, allows us to devise and develop technologies that utilize our knowledge and propel us as a people into the future.

Psychology, Associate in Arts for Transfer

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer degree (AA-T in Psychology) prepares students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or move into careers in mental health care, research, education, and human services. Within this degree, Psychology is explored from psychodynamic, behavioral, social, biological, humanistic, cognitive, evolutionary, developmental, organizational, and cultural perspectives. Psychologists use scientific methods to investigate complex patterns of human behavior and propose solutions to improve the quality of life of the populations being studied.

Sociology, Associate in Arts for Transfer

Sociology is the study of social relations in groups. Topics include socialization, social stratification, sex roles, race and ethnic relations, social philosophy, the family, population trends and the dynamics of social change. Sociology majors are prepared to transfer to four year colleges and universities so that they may prepare for careers as counselors, teachers, police officers, social workers and human services workers.