This award recognizes demonstrated commitment to providing affordable course learning materials to students. This award recognizes full-time teaching faculty who use no-cost or low-cost course materials in their classes. The recipient receives a plaque/certificate and $2,500. The $2,500 award will be available to the recipient as OSU funds that will be transferred to their unit. This is not a cash award.        

List of Previous Recipients

Eligibility

The award is for full-time faculty of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor or Instructor rank who have elected to use free, no-cost or low-cost (under $40) course materials in their classes.

Award Criteria

Selection criteria include:

  1. combined cost of the course materials is less than $40 (does not include course fees)
  2. direct and significant impact on reducing the cost of the course for students. For example:
    1. evidence that the candidate's contributions have enhanced affordability at OSU for a significant number of students
  3. creation or adaptation or adoption of course or ancillary materials with significant curricular impact at OSU and beyond. For example:
    1. creativity in using existing materials in combination with open or free course materials
    2. innovation in pedagogy using free or low-cost materials
  4. demonstrated dedication to accessibility and inclusivity while using low or no cost materials

Nomination Process and Submission

Following the instructions completely will ensure consideration of the nomination.

The nomination packet shall include evidence that the nominee meets the criteria, as well as: (1) nomination letter*; (2) three letters of support*; (3) evidence of commitment to affordability, such as a clear summary of strategies and resources used, as well as evidence from student evaluations, DFW rates and retention data; (4) the nominee's vita; and (4) position description indicating breakdown of FTE allocation.

Required letters: Each of the below letters shall not exceed two single-sided pages using at least 12 pitch and 1" margins. Signatures on the letters must be included.

* Letters of Support: One letter of support must be written by a current or former student; one shall be from a current or emeritus faculty member; and the third from the school or unit head or college dean who can comment on the connection of the work to OSU’s Affordable Learning plan.

* Nomination Letter: The Nominator shall submit a Nomination Letter.

The nominator shall submit in one PDF via the Qualtrics Submission Form the: Cover Sheet and the complete nomination packet (see above). Do not begin entering information on the Submission form unless you are ready to submit the nomination – the form CANNOT be saved and finished at a later time.

The award criteria must be addressed in the letters. Do not submit separate documentation related to the critera.

When organizing the PDF, please ensure that the document is organized as listed on the submission form.

Additional information submitted with the nomination will not be considered; please include only requested information and refer to the guidelines when organizing submission packets.

Selection Process

Nominations shall be reviewed and selected by the Faculty Recognition and Awards Committee and a representative from Ecampus. Committee recommendations will be made on the basis of the information submitted; the committee does not solicit additional information.

Nomination packets are due by Noon on April 19, 2024.