1. Review and Discuss Subcommittee Charge – Patricia Marshall
   • Bi-Laws excerpt was reviewed regarding powers and duties of this subcommittee.
     • Considering policies regarding the quality, character, and extent of instruction.
     • To consider policies related to the educational purposes and responsibilities of the University and evaluate the same on a long-range basis, and to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees with respect thereto.
     • To advise the President on any matter within the scope of the Committee's duties.
     • Past Focus Areas:

• Introduction of new programs: Three new programs were introduced, with the rationale for each presented, highlighting the connections to the academic plan and the university’s strategic goals.
• Public service activities, including civic learning and engagement services, were outlined.
• Sabbatical leaves were identified as a possible discussion topic for future meetings.
• Presentations were delivered on personnel actions related to faculty.
• Admissions – Richard Toomey
• Updates on Admissions requirements and guidelines that are influenced by state rules but university-specific exceptions are also shared.

1. OER Update– Connie Strittmatter and Jackie Kremer
   • Initiative based on equity and affordability, that increases access to no-cost and low-cost textbook resources that started back in 2018. Fitchburg State formally established its OER program in Fall 2019.

• Highlighted efforts to promote open pedagogy, where faculty collaborate with students to develop curriculum materials.
• Performance Metrics:
• Achieved $7.6 million in savings for students across the Commonwealth.
• From AY22 to AY24, FSU students saved a total of $2,911,434, including

$1,106,802 in AY24 alone.

• Nearly half of general education courses now fall into the no-cost category.
• Faculty Participation:
• From Fall 2020 to Spring 2024, 73 adoption grants were awarded to 47 faculty members, covering 66 courses, 218 course sections, and covering all academic departments.
• Established four Communities of Practice to support faculty in adopting OER.
• Upcoming Projects:
• Course Markings: Implement searchable course markings to help students make informed registration decisions (e.g., cost-free/no-cost courses).
• ROTEL Project: Department of Ed secured a grant to create and adapt textbook material that incorporates DEIB concepts. (10 books published by FSU authors)
• Other Points Discussed:
• Current data collection primarily focuses on undergraduate courses, with plans to expand to graduate and online programs.
• Richness of data allows for departmental analysis of high-cost programs and opportunities to reduce costs.
• Faculty have varying levels of comfort when deciding on transitioning to OER due to individual preferences.
  • Academic freedom remains a priority, as faculty retain the right to select their course materials.
• Admissions – Opportunities to leverage OER as a differentiator for FSU by demonstrating financial benefits to prospective students.

Discussion of Potential Topics for Future Meetings

Eric Gregoire 

• Suggested a yearly refresher on the status of the Academic Plan and active projects.
• Strategic preparations in response to Massachusetts’ free community college initiative.

Patricia Marshall

• Proposed updates on NECHE projections and enrollment planning for the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education.
• Emphasized the need to address admissions strategies and advertising in a post- COVID world.
• Overview of the Early College initiative and its financial implications.
• Sabbatical presentations (2–3 per year)