04/28/2025
By Donna Mellen

You're invited to participate in an exciting grant-funded opportunity with the CA-ROTEL grant!

This initiative offers $2,500 stipends to UMass Lowell faculty teaching high-enrollment courses.

Is this for you?

Are you a faculty member or course coordinator teaching one or more high-enrollment course sections?
Are you interested in replacing traditional textbooks with open resources to reduce costs for students?
Would you like to incorporate AI tools and career focused content into your curriculum?
If so, we encourage you to apply for a CA-ROTEL grant by May 2. The application takes just 10 minutes. Team applications are highly encouraged—especially teams that include a Course Coordinator, each faculty member will receive a stipend.

Are you already using open resources or free course materials? If so, no need to apply.

As a CA-ROTEL participant, you will:

  • Adopt or adapt an open textbook (e.g., OpenStax) and create customized ancillary materials
  • Receive guided support in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and career focused content into your course
  • Collaborate with other faculty in your department (optional, but encouraged)
  • Gain access to expert support in OER, accessibility, career readiness, artificial intelligence, and dedicated production teams
  • Attend the Summer Blitz at UMass Lowell on June 10–12, 2025 (includes $500 stipend and meals)
  • Work with the support and production teams as necessary to prepare materials for Academic Year 2025-2026
  • Adopt the adapted OER and your newly created ancillary materials in your course for at least one year

By participating, you’ll help make education more affordable and accessible while preparing students for future careers shaped by emerging technologies.

Ready to apply?

Visit the CA-ROTEL website to learn more and complete the application form by May 2. For questions, please feel free to reach out to Donna_Mellen@uml.edu.