Role and Mission

Curriculum and Instruction

1. Each program or course of study results in learning appropriate to the rigor and breadth of the degree or certificate awarded.
   
   
2. A degree or certificate program or course offered electronically is coherent and complete.
   
   
3. Review and approval processes ensure the appropriateness of the technology being used to meet program or course objectives.
   
   
4. Review and approval processes ensure that course and program activities are designed to fit the specific context for learning, including the nature of the subject matter, intended learning outcomes, needs and goals of the learners, the environment in which they live and learn, and instructional technologies and methods.
   
   
5. The course provides for appropriate interaction among students and between faculty and students.
   
   
6. Qualified faculty provides appropriate supervision of the program/course that is offered electronically.
   
   
7. Academic standards for all programs or courses offered electronically are the same as those for other courses delivered at the institution where the programs originate.
   
   
8. Student learning in programs or courses delivered electronically should be comparable to student learning in programs offered at the campus where the programs originate.

Student and Student Services

1. The program or course provides students with clear, complete, and timely information on the curriculum, course and degree requirements, nature of faculty/student interaction, prerequisite technology competencies and skills, technical equipment requirements, availability of academic support service, financial aid resources, and costs and payment policies.
   
   
2. Enrolled students have reasonable and adequate access to the range of student services and resources appropriate to support their learning.
   
   
3. The institution has admission/acceptance criteria in place to assess whether the student has the background, knowledge, and technical skills required for undertaking the course/program.
   
   
4. Advertising, recruiting, and admissions materials clearly and accurately represent the program and the
   services available.
   
   
5. The institution provides or arranges for reasonable assistance to students who are experiencing difficulty using the required technology.
   
   
6. The institution provides adequate means for students to appeal academic decisions through normal institutional policies and for resolving student complaints.

Faculty Support

1. The program or course provides faculty support services specifically related to teaching via an electronic system.
   
   
2. The institution assures appropriate training for faculty who teach using technology.
   
   
3. The program or course provides adequate equipment, software and communications to faculty for
   interaction with students, institutions, and other faculty.
   
   
4. The institution's distributed learning policies are clear concerning ownership of materials, faculty compensation, copyright issues, and utilization of revenue derived from the creation and production of materials used in distributed learning courses.
   

Resources for Learning

1. The program or course ensures that appropriate learning resources are available to students.
   
   
2. The program or course evaluates the adequacy and the cost to students for access to learning resources. It also documents the use of electronic resources.
   
   
3. The institution provides access to laboratories, facilities, and equipment appropriate to the course or program delivered electronically.

Commitment to Support

1. Policies for faculty evaluation include appropriate recognition of teaching and scholarly activities related to programs or courses offered electronically.
   
   
2. The institution demonstrates a commitment to ongoing support, both financial and technical, and to continuation of the program or course for a period sufficient for students to complete a degree or certificate.
   
   
3. The institution has a plan and infrastructure (equipment and technical expertise) necessary to support the learning goals and quality delivery of courses and programs it offers electronically.
   
   
4. The institution's planning, budgeting, and policy development processes reflect the staffing, facilities, equipment, and other resources essential to accomplish, with quality, the array of electronically-delivered courses and programs.

Evaluation and Assessment

1. The institution evaluates program and course effectiveness, including assessments of student learning, student retention, and student and faculty satisfaction.
   
   
2. At the completion of the program or course, the institution provides for assessment and documentation of student achievement in the course and program.
   
   
3. Program or course announcements and electronic catalog entries provide appropriate information.

A course is taught in the distributed learning mode if the faculty and student are not physically present for at least 50% of the time and if the medium of transmission is digital (Web, Internet, Videoconference, CD-ROM, etc.) A program is considered to be offered via distributed learning if over 50% of the courses are offered via distributed learning.

^{These principles adapted from Principles of Good Practice documents of the Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University and the Southern Regional Electronic Campus.}