For the second year, NIU’s Course Materials Affordability Task Force (CMAT) presented the Affordable Course Materials (ACM) Department Awards—part of the task force’s Leading Impact Program, which supports and recognizes academic departments and individual faculty for their adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) and other free or low-cost materials in courses.
CMAT used the affordable course materials designators in MyNIU to identify the departments offering the highest percentage of course sections with affordable course materials ($40 or less). The top three departments for the 2023-2024 academic year are:
- Departmental Achievement Award: Department of English with 75% of their courses designated as low or zero cost
- Departmental Honorable Mention Award: Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment with 44% of their courses designated as low or zero cost
- Departmental Outstanding Effort Award: Department of World Languages and Cultures with 30% of their courses designated as low or zero cost
In addition to receiving a plaque and digital badge, the ACM Department Awards come with monetary prizes funded by University Libraries. Winning departments were presented their awards at department and college senate meetings.
Last year, English was awarded the Departmental Outstanding Effort Award for achieving the third highest percentage. Past department winners must increase their percentage from previous years by at least 10% to be recognized again—English grew their low and zero cost course materials offerings by 11% in 2023-2024 to earn top honors.
Dr. Robert Brinkman, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, remarked, “We are so proud of the Departments of English and World Languages and Cultures for their work in providing affordable textbooks for our students. Both of these departments see hundreds of students every semester and they are making an incredible difference on our campus.” And Dr. William Pitney, Dean of the College of Education, declared, “I am very proud of the ETRA faculty for their commitment to course materials affordability. Indeed, the faculty have addressed a key financial barrier that exists for many students. This recognition is a testament to the department’s student-centric focus and desire to promote student academic success.”
These are incredible accomplishments and signal an expanding campus commitment to equitable teaching practices and supporting student success.
Kudos to NIU’s Course Materials Affordability Task Force and the departmental winners for leading the charge in course material affordability! 🏆 The English Department’s leap to 75% is nothing short of amazing, and the Educational Technology, Research and Assessment, and World Languages and Cultures Departments aren’t far behind! It’s heartening to see such commitment to reducing financial barriers and fostering equitable access to education. These efforts are crucial in supporting student success and making higher education more inclusive. Well done to all involved—here’s to making an even greater impact next year! Denizli Avukat 📚💼 #EducationalEquity #OERChampions #StudentSuccess
Hats off to NIU’s Course Materials Affordability Task Force and the departmental champions for spearheading the initiative for course material affordability! The English Department’s impressive jump to 75% is truly commendable, and the Educational Technology, Research and Assessment, as well as the World Languages and Cultures Departments, are following closely behind! It’s inspiring to witness such dedication to lowering financial obstacles and promoting equal access to education. These endeavors play a vital role in bolstering student achievement and fostering inclusivity in higher education. Congratulations to everyone involved—here’s to achieving an even more significant impact next year!
Kudos to NIU’s Course Materials Affordability Task Force and the departmental leaders for driving the initiative to make course materials more affordable! The English Department’s remarkable increase to 75% is truly praiseworthy, with the Educational Technology, Research and Assessment, and World Languages and Cultures Departments also making significant strides! It’s uplifting to see such commitment to reducing financial barriers and enhancing equal access to education. These efforts are crucial in boosting student success and fostering inclusivity in higher education. Congratulations to all involved—here’s to making an even bigger impact next year!