TO: | Dr. Ana Börger-Greco, Faculty Senate Chairperson |
FROM: | Dr. Vilas A. Prabhu Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs |
DATE: | October 4, 2005 |
SUBJECT: | APPROVAL OF FACULTY SENATE CURRICULAR RECOMMENDATIONS |
As the President's designee, I am informing you of the approvals of the following Faculty Senate Curricular Actions.
Faculty Senate action at July 18, 2005, meeting:
Distance Learning (DL) Course Approval Process
Distance Learning (DL)
Purpose of Distance Learning Course (DL)
To enrich and to increase the availability of the course offerings while maintaining quality educational experiences for students learning in a distance environment.
Millersville University Definition of Distance Learning (DL)
Distance learning takes place when students and faculty members are separated from each other by location or time. DL courses usually have little or no requirement for "live" meetings - whether in a physical location or across the Internet. However, an instructor may require meetings throughout the semester. This definition is consistent with CBA Article 42 B.1.a.
Distance Learning Formats
I. Online - Millersville University defines an online course as one that meets completely online via online courseware system (i.e. Blackboard, eCollege or WebCT).
II. Blended - Millersville University defines a blended course as one that requires some face-to-face class meetings along with some classes offered via distance education - either via online, videoconferencing or independent study.
Technical and Instructional Support
The University shall assure the availability of technical support personnel and materials appropriate to the principal technology and consistent with the faculty member's prior training and experience.
I. Faculty member has been provided with appropriate training and technical support.
II. Faculty member has access to appropriate technical infrastructure.
III. Qualified instructional designers have an appropriate role in course development.
Course Approval Process
I. New credit bearing courses must be approved through the existing course approval procedure at the University. Method of DL (video conferencing, e-mail, online, blended, etc.) must be clearly stated.
II. Existing credit bearing courses shall be reviewed by the department and University curriculum committee, which shall each provide its recommendation to the President or her/his designee. This review should be completed within thirty (30) days of receipt of the course proposal.
Course Approval Criteria
In approving distance education courses, the following criteria shall be applicable:
I. Course content, outcomes, practice, and assessment are consistent and clearly stated in the course proposal and in the materials distributed to students.
Approved, effective Fall 2005