06/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/10/2025 15:28
In a celebration of dedication and excellence, The University of New Mexico's Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) and UNM Online are recognizing instructors for their participation in online course reviews.
CTL recently awarded the prestigious Golden Paw Award to a select group of instructors. The Golden Paw Award is the highest recognition for online instruction at UNM.
Additionally, UNM Online has introduced the Foundational Course Design Review, an initiative available to all online instructors at UNM's main campus. Through a Foundational Course Design Review, instructors receive feedback from an external review to improve their online courses.
Below are the instructors who have received the Golden Paw Award and instructors who have successfully completed Foundational Course Design Reviews in Spring 2025:
These initiatives ensure that online courses align with the best practices outlined in the Online Learning Excellence Framework, which emphasizes essential online course design elements and strategies needed to meet the needs of UNM students.
UNM's commitment to supporting quality online education is evident through these initiatives. Both CTL and UNM Online offer numerous opportunities throughout the year for instructors to enhance their course design. By participating in these reviews, instructors demonstrate their dedication to continuous improvement and student success. The Foundational Course Design Review can be treated as a first step toward meeting the standards of a Golden Paw Award.
Instructors who complete a Foundational Course Design Review are eligible to receive $500 per course, and those awarded a Golden Paw will receive a stipend of $2,000.
Instructors interested in a Foundational Course Design Review can submit their interest form to participate in the Fall cycle, with the best consideration date being Aug. 1, 2025. Calls for nominations for the next Golden Paw Award review cycle will be announced in the Fall semester.
For more information about the Foundational Course Design Review, visit UNM Online's website. To learn more about the Golden Paw Awards, visit the CTL's website.