You will find descriptions of each of the OLC Awards for Excellence below. For information on the selection criteria and application process, view our Apply page. 

The following OLC Awards of Excellence are bestowed at OLC Accelerate in the fall of each year based on alignment with OLC Dimensions of Quality.

Excellence in Faculty Development

Effective practices in faculty development that lead to teaching and learning effectiveness and faculty satisfaction

Excellence in Instructional and Teaching Practice

Effective practices in online and/or blended teaching effectiveness with documented impact on equity, learning effectiveness and student outcome achievement 

Gomory-Mayadas Award for Excellence in Online Educational Leadership

Evidence of outstanding transformative leadership in online, blended, and/or digital learning that advances equity

John R. Bourne Award for Excellence in Online Programs and Programming

Effective practices in developing or expanding innovative and impactful online/blended programs

Karen Swan OLJ Outstanding Research Achievement Award in Online Education

Excellence in research, including scholarly research and writing, leadership and service in research, and contributions to advancing the field. Note: This highly selective award is an honor that an individual cannot seek. Rather, the individual(s) are selected by the OLJ Editorial Board and is not part of the awards submission process available on this website.

Status: Closed
Submissions for the OLC Accelerate 2024 Scholarships, Awards and Recognition are now closed.

The following OLC Awards of Excellence are bestowed at OLC Innovate in the spring of each year based on alignment with the OLC Dimensions of Quality.

Excellence in Design Practice

Effective practices in design and development of quality online, blended and digital courses (with documented impact on equity and student engagement) 

Excellence in Online and Blended Student Support

Effective practices in online or blended student support services that impact student satisfaction, retention, and success

Excellence in Online and Blended Learning Innovation

New and imaginative practice or approach impacting quality, effectiveness and equity of online, blended or digital learning 

Excellence in Data and Learning Analytics Design

Creative use in data and analytics design, research methods, or approaches to inform online, blended, and/or digital learning 

Status: Closed