Government funding for post-secondary education has fallen by over 20% in the province of British Columbia since 2001. International student recruitment has filled a pressing funding gap. However, international and domestic students alike are arriving on campus without the funds needed to live and study in Vancouver, one of North America's most expensive cities. Langara College Library has seen a dramatic spike in students seeking course reserves, while others report foregoing readings all together. Fischer, Hilton, Robinson, and Wiley (2015) found that course completion rates, "C-or better" grades, and enrollment intensity were higher among students using no-cost open textbooks versus commercial textbooks. What does adoption of open textbooks mean for international student recruitment, retention, success and engagement? Drawing on data collected through focus groups, the presenters will explore these important questions from the student perspective.
