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Open Educational Resources (OER) are growing in popularity as higher ed institutions across the country aim to improve textbook affordability. However, curbing textbook and course material costs is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach.

Join an enlightening discussion that uncovers how three institutions successfully lowered course material costs through blended affordability models that leverage both OER and Affordable Education Resources (AER).

Dr. Amjad Abdullat, dean of the Engler College of Business at West Texas A&M University, Dr. Elza Ibroscheva, associate provost for accreditation, assessment and academic planning at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Dr. Ryan Ruda, president and CEO of Garden City Community College will showcase the multi-tiered approaches their institutions took to achieve textbook affordability while continuing to drive toward academic excellence.

The panel of institutional leaders will highlight their unique experiences and insights on key topics such as:

Addressing common challenges when shifting to affordable textbooks, such as content quality and academic freedom
The value of OER as part of an affordable textbook initiative
Strategies for implementing a blended approach that meets the needs of students, faculty and the institution

This discussion will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways to help your institution pave a well-rounded pathway for affordable course materials. Don't miss this opportunity to join the conversation!

Thursday, January 23 | 2 p.m. ET

OER & AER: Lowering Textbook Costs While Preserving Quality

SPEAKERS

Dr. Elza Ibroscheva
Associate Provost and Professor of Mass Communications at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Elza Ibroscheva, Ph.D., is associate provost for accreditation, assessment and academic planning at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Prior to that, she also served as associate dean at the School of Communications at Webster University. A recognized scholar of international media and gender studies, Ibroscheva has published a number of articles and book charters in journals such as the European Journal of Cultural Studies, Howard Journal of Communication, Central European Journal of Communication, Feminist Media Studies, International Journal of Communication, Sex Roles: Journal of Research, among others. Ibroscheva is the author of Advertising, Sex and Post Socialism: Women, Media and Femininity in the Balkans (Rowman and Littlefield, 2013) and an editor (with Dr. Maria Raicheva-Stover) of the volume Women in Politics and Media: Perspectives from Nations in Transition (Bloomsbury, 2014).

Dr. Amjad Abdullat
Dean and Professor of Computer Information Systems, Engler College of Business at West Texas A&M University

Dr. Amjad Abdullat is the dean and professor of computer information systems at the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, West Texas A&M University. With over 20 years at the university, he has held leadership roles, including senior associate dean. He holds degrees from California State University, Sacramento, National University, and an Ed.D. from Pepperdine. His research combines information systems with economics, focusing on advanced technologies and innovative education methods. Dr. Abdullat is a founding principal and board member of Edmin.com and Edgate.com, leading initiatives in instructional and data management systems. He is also active in the community, serving on several boards, including United Way of Amarillo and Happy State Bank. His leadership and entrepreneurial ventures have had a significant impact on both academia and the technology industry.

Dr. Joshua Kim
Director of Online Programs and Strategy at Dartmouth College

Dr. Joshua Kim is the director of online programs and strategy at Dartmouth College, and a senior fellow for academic transformation, learning and design at the Center for New Designs in Learning & Scholarship (CNDLS) at Georgetown University. Josh has a Ph.D. in sociology and demography from Brown University. He started his career on the faculty at West Virginia University, helped start Britannica.com’s education division in San Francisco and was one of the original founders of Quinnipiac University Online. He has taught both on-ground and online courses in sociology, marketing and higher education leadership.

MODERATOR

Dr. Ryan Ruda
President and CEO at Garden City Community College

Dr. Ryan Ruda is the president at Garden City Community College (GCCC) in Garden City, Kansas. He has held this position since the summer of 2018 on an interim basis and was formally named president in February 2019. Over the past twenty years, Dr. Ruda has served in various capacities at GCCC, starting as a counselor and later becoming the director of counseling in 2003. He has also held leadership roles such as vice president for student services, athletic director, and most recently, vice president for instruction and student services. As president, Dr. Ruda emphasizes student-centered and value-driven decision making among faculty, staff and administrators at GCCC. He is a servant leader, relatable and deeply committed to student success, exemplifying the “BroncBUSTER” values, as they are called on the GCCC campus.