Announcing the 2025–2026 Innovative Online Course Design (IOCD) Award Recipients
Introduction
The Instructional Design and Media Production Studio (IDMPS) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025–2026 Innovative Online Course Design (IOCD) Award, UIC’s new recognition program celebrating excellence and innovation in online, asynchronous course design. IDMPS received a notably strong pool of applications, reflecting the creativity and dedication of instructors across campus.
winners
This year, IDMPS is proud to recognize three outstanding awardees:
Kate Albrecht, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics
College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
for design of PA 521 Strategic Management Planning and Measurement
Özgür Arslan-Ayaydin, Ph.D
Clinical Professor and Assistant Department Head
Finance Department
College of Business
for design of FIN 540 International Financial Markets
Chiara Fabbian, PhD
Clinical Professor and Director of the Italian Program
Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
for design of ITAL 270 Migration, Society, and Identity in the Italian and Italian American Experience
About the Award
1
Each recipient has designed an online asynchronous course in collaboration with IDMPS designers and media specialists in fulfillment of UIC’s Online Initiative. These courses demonstrate innovative pedagogical strategies, thoughtful media integration, and a deep focus on student engagement and accessibility.
Awardees will receive a $1,000 one-time payment, and their courses will be featured in IDMPS promotional materials, showcased as models of effective online course design, and recognized at an IDMPS-sponsored event later this year.
This year’s awardees embody the spirit of the IOCD Award. Their courses reflect the innovation and online best practices that IDMPS works to support and expand across disciplines.
2
The IOCD Award highlights faculty who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to student success through creative, high-impact online course development in collaboration with IDMPS. The IOCD Award was established to surface and amplify innovative instructional approaches across campus, while showcasing exemplary online courses that strengthen teaching and learning at UIC.
This award is open to UIC faculty who meet specific eligibility criteria, including having at least a 51% appointment at UIC, two years of teaching experience within the institution, and demonstrated collaboration with IDMPS in the design of a three-credit (or higher) online asynchronous course. These requirements help ensure that the award recognizes faculty who are deeply engaged in both online teaching and the instructional design process. Awards are reviewed and selected by a panel of UIC faculty and instructional designers.
To learn more, visit our Innovative Online Course Design (IOCD) Award webpage. Be sure to bookmark this webpage for future updates on the 2026-2027 call for applications later this year.