New! Nominations have been extended until February 12, 2026.
The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the annual Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Champions Award and the Open Educational Resources (OER) Champions Award. UBC students and community members are invited to submit nominations recognizing faculty, staff, and administrators who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing accessible, equitable, and affordable education through UDL practices and OER adoption.
Universal Design for Learning is an approach that acknowledges learner diversity and proactively reduces barriers to education so that all students have the opportunity to succeed. At UBC, efforts to embed UDL principles have continued to grow due to their demonstrated benefits for student learning. Initiatives such as the UDL Fellows Program and UBC’s Universal Design for Learning Hub support more inclusive and accessible teaching practices across the institution. UDL can take many forms, including flexible course delivery, diverse perspectives in course content, reweighted assessments, and accessible learning materials such as captioned videos. While these practices may vary in format, they share a common goal of fostering inclusive learning environments.
Open Educational Resources are teaching, learning, and research materials that are free of cost and free of access barriers, and that allow for open use and adaptation. According to the Academic Experience Survey 2025, more than one in four students reported experiencing financial hardship related to textbooks and course materials. This highlights the importance of OER in reducing financial barriers to education. Although OER can take many forms, they are united by their availability in the public domain or through open licenses that permit free use, adaptation, and redistribution.
To recognize the contributions of educators who advance UDL and OER at UBC, the AMS hosts an annual Teaching and Learning Champions Reception. This event celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond to promote accessible, equitable, and affordable education across the university.
Do you know someone who has made a meaningful impact on teaching and learning at UBC through their work with UDL or OER?
Show your appreciation by submitting a nomination today. By nominating a colleague, you help recognize their contributions while also amplifying the importance of inclusive and affordable learning at UBC. Nominations have been extended until February 12, 2026.
Sincerely,
Zarifa Nawar
Vice-President, Academic and University Affairs
Alma Mater Society of UBC Vancouver
