The Affordable and Open Educational Resources (AOER) Committee is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the Open Educational Resources (OER) Course Conversion and Renewal Grants. Supported by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, this initiative encourages instructors to adopt or update OER in their courses, making learning more affordable and accessible for µÛÍõ»áËù students. 

This round of funding was awarded to faculty in the College of Health and Natural Sciences and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Each grant—valued between $1250 and $2,500—supports the development or enhancement of courses using OER, replacing costly textbooks with freely available, high-quality materials.

To date, 89 faculty members have participated in the grant program, resulting in the transformation of 82 courses in 30 different departments.  

Course Conversion Grant Recipients: 

• Junpyo Park (Economics): ECON 203 Principles of Macroeconomics 
• Nick Slagel (Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics): FND 455/555 Nutrition for Fitness and Performance 

Course Renewal Grant Recipients: 

• Rose Grose (Colorado School of Public Health): HUSR 342 Modern Concepts of Health and Disease  
• Mariana Lazarova (Physics and Astronomy): AST 109 The Cosmos 

By creating, adapting, and sharing open materials, this year’s grantees are not only helping students avoid the high cost of textbooks, they’re also rethinking how knowledge is delivered and shared. Their efforts reflect a growing movement in higher education that values collaboration, innovation, and equity. 

The AOER Committee applauds these faculty members for leading the way. Their projects strengthen µÛÍõ»áËù’s commitment to inclusive teaching and demonstrate how thoughtful course design can lower barriers and open doors for all students.