From the Provost
Posted: Monday, April 24, 2017ALMI Award Winners
Buffalo State’s Affordable Learning Materials Initiative (ALMI) is pleased to announce the first round of winners of the ALMI Award Program. This program was designed to recognize the important work of faculty members who are taking steps toward improving affordability for their students.
Department Award for Advancement in Affordability
Fashion and Textile Technology Department
The Fashion and Textile Technology Department has made a department-wide decision to consider affordability in their courses. They have incorporated various cost-cutting strategies including open educational resources (OER), older textbook editions, and course packs over the course of seven semesters. Ten classes in the department do not require textbooks at all, instead relying on alternative sources of academic materials. Their innovations have had a positive impact on students throughout the FTT department.
Award for Exceptional Innovation in Affordability (2)
Kathy Doody, Assistant Professor, Exceptional Education Department
Dr. Doody updated four graduate-level courses using alternative learning materials. She was able to cut out textbook costs completely while creating a more tailored and customized collection of learning materials. She uses a variety of textbook replacements, including library materials and online modules. Her innovation in affordability represents a strong balance between quality and affordability.
Lorena Mathien, Assistant Professor, Business Department
Dr. Mathien took an existing openly licensed course and adapted it using new materials and activities. This resulted in a customized course based on OER that saves her students money while improving their engagement and satisfaction.
Individual award recipients will receive an award certificate and $300 in professional development funds. Departmental award recipients will receive an award certificate and a catered lunch for all department faculty. Congratulations to the winners and to all ALMI Award applicants who are working hard to improve affordability for their students while maintaining the highest academic standards.
