Advancing open educational resources

THE Advancing open educational resources (OER) aims to expand free, customizable learning materials across UTSA, making learning more affordable and accessible to all students, while improving teaching and learning experiences.

The initiative builds on the university’s commitment to supporting student success and eliminating barriers to higher education. Since 2016, the UTSA Libraries have been a leader in OER defensehelping students save more than $13 million through programs like the Adopt-A-Free-Textbook grant.

“By removing financial and accessibility barriers associated with expensive commercial textbooks, OER helps foster a more equitable and engaging learning environment for students,” said Dean HendrixUTSA vice provost and university librarian.

Teachers also benefit from the flexibility offered by choosing open educational resources.

“Using OER gives professors more freedom to innovate in their teaching, while ensuring that students have immediate access to their course materials,” said Melissa VitoUTSA vice provost for academic innovation.

Co-chaired by Hendrix and Vito, this working group will evaluate current use of OER, identify opportunities for expansion, and recommend strategies to integrate the adoption of high-quality, low-cost educational materials throughout UTSA, particularly in the core curriculum and high-enrollment courses. .

Improve well-being

THE Improve well-being This initiative builds on UTSA’s long-standing commitment to student well-being. Recent progress demonstrates the importance placed by the university on the physical and mental health of students, as 360 Well-being Partnership with UT Health San Antonio and virtual 24/7 TimelyCare Platform. In addition, UTSA Wellness Services offers numerous programs, services and resources focused on prevention, education and advocacy.

Co-chaired by LT RobinsonUTSA Provost and Dean of Students, and Tammy WyattUTSA Senior Vice Provost for Student Success, the new task force seeks to continue these efforts by developing new opportunities that align with the eight dimensions of well-being: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, professional, physical, social and spiritual.

“We have made significant progress in student well-being, and it is important that we continue to step up our efforts to ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of our community,” Robinson said. “Our goal is to foster a campus culture where every student feels empowered to seek the support they need to succeed – academically, socially and emotionally.

Well-being is essential to student success, Wyatt added.

“We are committed to making UTSA a leader in this area by integrating the multidimensional aspects of well-being at the heart of our campus and campus culture,” Wyatt said. “This task force will ensure that every student, regardless of background or experience, has access to the tools they need to succeed.”

The task force will evaluate current programs, policies, and practices, identify gaps, and develop strategic recommendations to improve resources and foster a campus environment that actively supports student well-being.

Expanding peer mentoring and leadership

THE Expand peer mentoring and leadership programs This initiative aims to strengthen UTSA’s support for students’ personal, academic and professional growth.

UTSA offers a range of established programs that provide peer mentoring and leadership development, supporting students during their first year, as first-generation or transfer students, or through specialized university-wide and college-specific initiatives.

Co-chaired by Wyatt and Jill FleurietUTSA Vice Provost for Special Education, this task force will evaluate existing programs and national best practices to identify growth opportunities that align with Carnegie Leadership for Public Purposes classification criteria. Through this review, they will develop recommendations for establishing scalable and impactful peer mentoring and leadership opportunities that all students have access to from the time they enroll until they graduate.

“This initiative will help our students connect with mentors who can guide them through the unique challenges of college life and beyond,” Fleuriet said. “Our goal is to build student skills and confidence, fostering a culture in which students feel both supported and equipped to lead and contribute meaningfully to UTSA’s dynamic campus life.”