Reference, Instruction, and Open Education

The Reference, Instruction & Open Education (RIO) Department provides holistic support for undergraduate students and teaching faculty through the lenses of student success; retention, persistence, and completion; and career readiness. The department develops meaningful opportunities to connect with undergraduate students and foster their academic and professional growth, through initiatives including:

  • reference and research support, centered around the peer-led Research Mavs program
  • information literacy instruction
  • Open Education and course material affordability

The department partners with campus stakeholders to integrate these initiatives into the University’s strategic plan for Student Success, ensuring learners are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.

Meet Our Team

Academic Subjects: Anthropology, Architecture, Architecture: Interior Design, Criminal Justice/Criminology, Earth & Environmental Sciences (Geology), Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Brianna branscomb staff photo Brianna branscomb smiling posing with books

Outreach & Open Education Coordinator

Leyla Bunster staff headshot Leyla Bunster posing with books

Librarian-Manager for Research Success

Academic Subjects: Mexican American Studies, Political Science, Philosophy & Humanities

Suzanne Byke staff headshot Suzanne Byke posing and flexing muscle

Associate University Librarian

Academic Subjects: Nursing, Social Work

Academic Subjects: English

Mason Fulfor headshot Mason Fulfor headshot with personality crossing arm and wearing sunglasses

Graduate Research Assistant

Jessica McClean staff headshot Jessica McClean headshot posing with cryptic crosswords book

Director of Reference, Instruction, and Open Education

Academic Subjects: Education, Psychology, Communication

Academic Subjects: English, Honors College