The number of instructional designers is ever increasing, especially in higher education. Yet there can be confusion around the role that instructional designers play in the course-development process. Often confused with Information Technology (IT) staffers, instructional designers can sometimes find themselves being asked to fix printers rather than share learning strategies. In this spotlight panel session, we will examine instructional design as a profession—exploring the role and the competencies, skills, and expectations associated with it. Is your institution or organization utilizing instructional designers to their full potential? Come to this panel session and find out!