Introduction
About
The USG Faculty OER Leadership Award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exemplary use of open-access materials in their classrooms and serve as leaders in advancing open course materials. This includes the use of open textbooks, incorporation of free educational resources, and the creation of openly accessible learning materials.
Eligibility
Tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty who teach undergraduate courses using Open Educational Resources (OER) are eligible. Courses must have been taught between Fall 2024 – Spring 2026.
Award & Recognition
Three professors will be selected each academic year and will receive a $500 leadership award stipend along with recognition at the USG Gala, held at the end of April.
Nomination & Deadline
Nominations may be submitted by colleagues, students, or through self-nomination.
Nomination & Deadline
Nominate at the button below.
Deadline: April 16th, 2026
Program Administration
The USG Faculty Open Education Leadership Award is administered by a dedicated USG subcommittee responsible for program logistics, selection of awardees, and coordination of recognition efforts.
Subcommittee Members
- Sandy De Groote
- Alanna O'Connor
- Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu
- Hari Arlagadda
- Mariyah Pickett
- Temirlan Sagitzhanuly
- Sri Vastav Pedarla
- Ohik Kwon
Questions? Please contact USG President Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu at
nthok2@uic.edu.
Nominate faculty for USG Open Educational Resources Leadership Award
d
OER Impact
Open Educational Resources (OER) have transformed the financial landscape for students at UIC and across higher education. By replacing costly textbooks with free, high-quality learning materials, OER initiatives have collectively saved students millions of dollars, removing a significant barrier to academic success.
At a time when affordability remains one of the greatest challenges facing students, OER represents more than just a cost-saving measure, it is a commitment to equity, access, and student-centered learning. Every dollar saved through OER is a dollar that students can reinvest into their education, well-being, and future.
As we continue to expand these efforts, it is critical that we sustain and strengthen our investment in OER. Doing so not only supports student success today, but also builds a more inclusive and accessible academic environment for generations of Flames to come.