THEC Open Education Initiative
Open Education Initiative, facilitated by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), brings together key institutional stakeholders from across the state to address course material affordability. Through collaboration and strategic initiatives, the Open Education Initiative works to reduce barriers to student success. It also promotes the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) across Tennessee post-secondary institutions.
The following links highlight the Open Education Initiative's broader efforts:
| THEC Open Education Initiative Pillars | The THEC Open Education Initiative Pillars provide a framework focused on strengthening statewide cross‑sector collaboration, establishing shared definitions and data collection processes, and expanding engagement and support to advance affordable course materials and student success. | |
| THEC OEI Steering Committee | The OEI Steering Committee provides strategic advice, leadership, and decision-support to guide the operational and programmatic direction of the THEC Open Education Initiative. | |
| Textbook Affordability Listserv | A statewide communication tool for faculty and administrators to share ideas, promote events, and collaborate on affordability efforts. | |
| THEC Open Education Week | A global event celebrating open education, featuring webinars, resources, and community engagement opportunities. | |
| TN Open Education Report | The 2025 Tennessee Open Education Report provides a statewide overview of how higher education institutions are using Open Educational Resources (OER) as a strategy to improve textbook affordability, highlighting current practices, challenges, and opportunities for expanded adoption. | |
| Open Education Resources | Provides an overview of OER, guidance for faculty adoption, institutional support strategies, links to major OER platforms, and access to training and research. |