DOERS Program Charter

I. Establishment

The Driving Open Educational Resources Sustainability for Student Success Collaborative ("DOERS") is hereby established as a named program of the Open Education Association ("Association").

II. Purpose

DOERS exists to advance the long-term sustainability and impact of open educational resources across public higher education systems and statewide and provincewide initiatives. DOERS fulfills its purpose by convening system leaders, co-developing research and tools, advancing policy, and building the capacity of member organizations to implement and sustain open education at scale. 

III. Program Structure

DOERS operates as a named program of the Association with its own identity, programmatic governance, and dedicated funds. DOERS represents itself publicly under its own name, with the Association described as a fiscal sponsor.

IV. Advisory Board

The DOERS Advisory Board ("Advisory Board") is hereby established to provide programmatic leadership for DOERS. The Advisory Board operates subject to the fiduciary oversight of the Association's Board of Directors ("Board of Directors") and in accordance with the Association's bylaws, policies, and applicable law.

1. Responsibilities. The Advisory Board is responsible for:

  • Setting DOERS’ strategic priorities, direction, and alignment with its mission and purpose

  • Leading the development and implementation of DOERS strategic initiatives, working groups, and collaborative activities

  • Driving DOERS member engagement, partnerships, and community-building efforts

  • Serving as ambassadors and advocates for DOERS within the broader open education community

  • Directing the expenditure of DOERS funds consistent with the approved budget

  • Selecting and overseeing vendors and contractors engaged to support DOERS' work

  • Adopting internal rules and procedures consistent with this Charter and Association policies

2. Composition. The Advisory Board consists of:

  • Not fewer than 5 and not more than 15 voting members, as determined by the Advisory Board

  • One ex officio seat for the President of the Board of Directors or their designee, who votes only in case of a tie

  • Any non-voting seats the Advisory Board may create

3. Selection and Service.

  • The Advisory Board will establish procedures for eligibility, selection, and terms of voting members

  • Vacancies may be filled by vote of the Advisory Board for the remainder of the term

  • A member may resign at any time by providing written notice to the Chair

  • A member may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Advisory Board

  • All appointments are subject to confirmation by the Board of Directors, and confirmation is expected except in rare circumstances that could compromise the integrity of DOERS or the Association's legal or financial obligations

4. Officers. The Advisory Board elects a Chair and Vice Chair from among its voting members and may create any additional officer positions it deems fit.

The Chair:

  • Convenes and facilitates Advisory Board meetings and helps guide the work of the Advisory Board and affiliated working groups

  • Serves as the primary liaison between the DOERS membership, the Advisory Board, and the Association

  • Supports member engagement, collaboration, and the onboarding of new participants and partners

  • Represents DOERS publicly and in relationships with external organizations, partners, and the broader open education community

  • Supports the implementation of Advisory Board priorities and internal procedures consistent with this Charter and Association policies

The Vice Chair assumes the responsibilities of the Chair when the Chair is unavailable.

5. Meetings and Decision-Making.

  • The Advisory Board determines its own meeting schedule

  • The Advisory Board may set its own rules regarding voting, decision-making, and internal operations consistent with this Charter and Association policy

  • Unless otherwise specified, decisions may be made by majority vote of voting members present, with a simple majority of the total voting members constituting a quorum

V. Organizational Infrastructure

The Association provides legal, financial, and operational infrastructure that enables DOERS to operate with programmatic independence. This includes:

  • Legal entity status for grants, contracts, and donations

  • Financial management, accounting, and tax compliance

  • Grant compliance and reporting support

  • Contract execution and standard legal review

  • Holding intellectual property created through DOERS activities

  • Insurance coverage

  • Access to shared organizational infrastructure

  • Executive and board-level oversight

DOERS compensates the Association for these services through an administrative fee, the amount of which is set annually as part of the budget approval process.

VI. Budget 

By October 1 each year, the Advisory Board submits a proposed budget and program narrative for the following fiscal year. The Board of Directors reviews and approves the budget consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities. DOERS will operate within the scope of its approved budget and may not incur expenses or commitments in excess of available funds.

VII. Stewardship

The Association is committed to stewarding DOERS' funds, intellectual property, and identity in service of its mission and the broader open education field. If the time comes for DOERS to transition to a new fiscal sponsor, the Association will work in good faith with the Advisory Board to transfer DOERS assets to an eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit to serve as successor.

VIII. Fiduciary Authority of the Board of Directors

Nothing in this Charter limits the Board of Directors in fulfilling its fiduciary, legal, or financial responsibilities for the Association or for DOERS, in accordance with the Association's bylaws, policies, and applicable law. All authority granted to the Advisory Board under this Charter is programmatic in nature and operates subject to the Board of Directors' overarching governance responsibilities.

IX. Amendments

This Charter may be amended by the Board of Directors following consultation with the Advisory Board.

X. Adoption

This Charter takes effect on July 1, 2026 and supersedes any prior governance documents of DOERS. 

The Board of Directors confirms that the group known prior to July 1, 2026 as the DOERS Steering Committee was consulted in the development of this Charter and was asked to recommend a slate of individuals for appointment as the initial members of the Advisory Board.

Updated: July 1, 2026