Our approach to affordable learning aligns with our Strategic Directions and is systematic and strategic, bottom-up and top-down. Senior Leaders, Deans and Associate Deans in their leadership roles are key players in the affordable learning initiative.
Senior leaders’ active commitment and accountability are critical.
What are we talking about when we talk about affordable learning?
- Affordable learning initiatives enable Seattle University to provide more affordable educational content for our students.
- Strategies for affordable learning for our students look to reduce costs by substituting low-cost or no-cost resources in place of high-price commercial textbooks.
- The scope of material used can be wider than Open Educational Resources (OER) - affordable learning initiatives often include library resources, low-cost student-purchases resources, and faculty-provided free resources.
Alignment with Seattle University mission, strategic directions, and work
- Mission: Seattle University is dedicated to educating the whole person, to professional formation, and to empowering leaders for a just and humane world.
- Seattle University's Vision and Values
- Seattle University’s Affordable Learning @ Seattle University plan has four pillars, which align with our existing Strategic directions.
Opportunities for Senior Leaders’ active engagement
- Champion affordable learning solutions, strategies and initiatives at Seattle University.
- Support the establishment of a standing Affordable Learning @ Seattle University Committee, to plan and execute the development and integration of affordable learning strategies and initiatives through the remainder of Reigniting Our Strategic Directions.
- Reporting through the Provost and CFO, this committee will incorporate faculty, staff, and student representatives, and be co-led by two Senior Leaders (Dean of Libraries, CIO, etc.).
- Develop and pilot incentive structures for faculty to adapt, adopt, or develop open educational resources.
- Support affordable learning solutions, strategies and initiatives within the AJCU.
- Explore partnerships for affordable learning solutions, strategies and initiatives with local and regional organizations that are active in this space.
Intended benefits/outcomes
- Affordable Learning initiatives directly impact our students - and directly contribute to retention, completion, persistence, success.
- This action plan presents an opportunity to shape institutional innovation in affordable learning at Seattle University.
- This action plan presents an opportunity to participate in and advance existing affordable learning projects in development across campus.