Faculty Recognition Program

The Solution

Faculty contribute to open education in many ways, from developing and adapting course materials to championing affordable learning practices. However, these contributions are not always visible or recognized through traditional faculty recognition programs.

A recognition framework was needed that acknowledged the breadth of OER contributions while reinforcing the connection between faculty innovation and student success.

Organization

Mesa Community College

The Challenge

My Role

OER Program Lead & Recognition Program Designer

Audience

Faculty and staff contributing to open education

Tools & Methods

Program design, recognition criteria, faculty engagement, OER advocacy, communication strategy

Focus

Faculty recognition, open educational practices, student affordability, and institutional engagement

Project Snapshot

I developed a recognition framework for OER HEROES that celebrates faculty contributions beyond simply adopting free course materials.

The program recognizes three interconnected areas of contribution:

Leadership and Advocacy: Championing open education at the department, college, district, or statewide level.
Creation and Improvement: Creating, adapting, and sharing open educational resources that support teaching and learning.
Instructional Innovation: Integrating OER into meaningful instructional changes, including open pedagogy and student-centered learning practices.

The framework makes diverse contributions to open education more visible while connecting faculty recognition to the college's broader affordability and student success goals.

Deliverables

Recognition framework, nomination criteria, faculty nomination process, and recognition resources

Project Examples

OER HEROES Recognition Program

Review the recognition categories, criteria, and nomination process developed to celebrate faculty contributions.

View Recognition Criteria

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Student Affordability Impact

See how Mesa Community College's broader OER initiatives contributed to approximately $1.1 million in estimated student savings during the 2024–2025 academic year.

Explore OER Impact