Senior Leaders Open Education Briefing

Designed by the Open Education Network (OEN), this free, 1.5-hour virtual briefing helps higher education decision-makers leverage Open Educational Resources (OER) to address institutional priorities, boost student success, and build sustainable campus programs. Questions may be directed to open@umn.edu.

Why Attend

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) recognizes OER implementation as a High-Impact Practice (HIP) proven to lower course withdrawal rates, improve academic achievement, and accelerate time-to-completion—particularly for historically underserved students. Beyond driving down textbook costs, OER and Open Educational Practices (OEP) enhance classroom equity and strengthen institutional resilience in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Key Outcomes

• Align with Strategic Priorities: Connect OER to student affordability, retention, workforce readiness, and AI integration.
• Examine Research & ROI: Review national AAC&U data on student metrics and financial savings models (including Z-Degrees).
• Leverage Open Licensing: Understand how Creative Commons permissions enable flexible, student-centered learning and open pedagogy.
• Drive Institutional Action: Access an interactive strategy tool to transition OER from pilot projects to sustainable, institution-wide programs.

Who Should Attend

Provosts, presidents, vice presidents, deans, directors, and governing board members, along with campus OER champions and support teams.

Sponsors

Midwestern Higher Education Compact, New England Board of Higher Education, Southern Regional Education Board, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.