University Libraries’ Open Educational Resources (OER) Faculty Champion Award is an inaugural award designed to recognize and reward Kent State faculty who have successfully implemented OER in their courses.

As defined by SPARC, a nonprofit advocacy organization that supports open systems for research and education, Open Educational Resources are teaching, learning, and research resources that are free of cost and access barriers, and which also carry licenses for open use. Learn more about OER.

The OER Champion Award is meant to celebrate faculty who expertly integrate OER into their courses, in turn enhancing student learning and engagement and removing financial barriers to accessing class content. Consider the many benefits of implementing the use of Open Educational Resources in courses for students and faculty and nominate yourself or a colleague to receive this award. (NOTE: If you nominate someone else, we will contact them directly and ask them to respond to the nomination prompts.)

The 2026 recipient will be celebrated at the Spring 2026 Faculty Club. The honor includes a $750 award and a commemorative trophy marking this achievement

The deadline to submit nominations is March 20, 2026.

• Nominations will be evaluated according to this rubric
• Nomination companion with questions and prompts
• Submit Nomination

University Libraries looks forward to receiving your nominations and rewarding esteemed faculty members for their dedication to making education affordable!