Tag: NTIA grant

Faculty complete Online Summer Certification Program

Made possible through an NTIA grant, the OLLU Summer Online Program equips faculty with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to enhance their teaching practices and contribute to the university’s academic excellence. Led by OLLU’s Digital Learning Consultant, Laura Petersen, the program offers faculty valuable insights and practical strategies for creating engaging and inclusive online learning experiences.

The following faculty completed the second year of the program:
Jessica Avitia: Peer Review Course and ACUE’s Inclusive Online Teaching Course
James Crawford: Quality Matters Course, Peer Review Course, and ACUE’s Inclusive Online Teaching Course
Esther Gergen: ACUE’s Inclusive Online Teaching Course
Jessica Hajek: Quality Matters Course, Peer Review Course, and ACUE’s Inclusive Online Teaching Course
Jerrie Jackson: Quality Matters Course, Peer Review Course, and ACUE’s Inclusive Online Teaching Course
Sonia Jasso: Quality Matters Course, Peer Review Course, and ACUE’s Inclusive Online Teaching Course
Eden Robles: Quality Matters Course, Peer Review Course, and ACUE’s Inclusive Online Teaching Course
Janet Hupel: Quality Matters Course, Peer Review Course, and ACUE’s Inclusive Online Teaching Course
Jessica Quintero: Peer Review Course and soon Master Reviewer Certification

As a result of their dedication, the faculty members who completed Peer Reviewer Certification are now part of OLLU’s esteemed Peer Reviewer Community. In fall 2024, they will be applying their expertise to review courses and ensure that they meet the rigorous standards set by the community. This is a crucial step in maintaining the high quality of OLLU online programs and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in their academic journeys.

Laptops and mobile hotspots available for student check out

Current OLLU students who need internet access or a laptop can check them out from the Sueltenfuss Library. Check out is available for one semester.

The laptop and mobile hotspot check out program was made possible through a $2.2 million grant the university received through the Connecting Minority Communities grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. For more information, or to check out a laptop or hotspot, please visit: https://library.ollusa.edu/laptops.

Classroom technology upgrades underway in Metz Hall 

Six classrooms in Metz Hall have been fitted with state-of-the-art technology upgrades in a campus project funded through a $2.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

These rooms have been enhanced with LED projectors, ceiling speakers and microphones, along with wireless display adapters. The Connecting Minority Communities grant will fund technology upgrades for additional classrooms in Metz, Main, the Sueltenfuss Library, Pacelli Hall and the Fine Arts and Humanity Building.

The upgraded rooms in Metz feature 75-inch Secondary LCD Samsung displays, electric height adjustable teaching podiums, room cameras and document cameras.

“The new technology will allow remote and distance learning students to see and interact with classmates and instructors, creating a sense of inclusion and community,” said Vanessa Clark, PhD, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems. “Reducing equity gaps that tend to exist between remote and in-person students.”

Project Manager and Director of User Experience at OLLU, Al Ramirez, says he hopes the project will be completed by the start of the spring semester.