Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 11, August 30, 2024
(1)
Purpose. This section is intended to ensure consistency around
implementation of distance education programs.
(2)
Commission Responsibility.
Programs of instruction offered by Alabama public institutions, including
distance education offerings, are subject to Commission approval per the
Code of Ala. 1975, Section
16-5-8.
(3)
Scope. This policy applies
to programs of instruction offered by public colleges and universities
headquartered in Alabama. It does not apply to programs of instruction offered
by private institutions or by institutions with no physical presence in
Alabama.
(4)
Definitions. The following definitions pertain to this rule:
(a) Delivery Modality: Technology or method
used to deliver instruction or assess student progress toward program
completion, such as in-person/face-to-face instruction, distance education,
competency-based education, or a combination thereof. In addition, an academic
program may be offered in multiple modalities.
(b) Distance Education: A formal educational
process using technological delivery in which instruction occurs where students
and instructors are not in the same place. Instruction may be synchronous or
asynchronous. Distance education, distance learning, and e-learning are
recognized by the Commission as being synonymous terms.
(c) Distance Education Program: An academic
program for which required instructional activities can be completed entirely
through distance education modalities. A distance education program may have
in-person requirements that are non-instructional (e.g., orientation,
practicum).
(d) State Authorization
Reciprocity Agreements (SARA): An interstate distance education compact
coordinated through the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity
Agreements (NC-SARA). Institutional membership in SARA establishes recognition
of comparable standards in the interstate delivery of postsecondary distance
education courses and programs and streamlines authorization to enroll
non-Alabama residents.
(5)
Tuition for Distance Education
Programs. Institutions are to set tuition for distance education
offerings, ensuring that they meet statutory requirements under Code of Ala.
1975, §
16-64-1 et seq.
(6)
Expectations for Compliance.
(a) Institutions providing distance education
courses or programs are expected to be in full compliance with the standards
and/or requirements of any appropriate governing, authorization, or
accreditation authorities.
(b)
Academic degree programs offered through distance education by Alabama public
institutions must have been approved by the Commission on Higher Education and
must be listed in the Commission's Academic Program Inventory with no
restriction to a military base.
(7)
Configuration of Programs for
Distance Education.
(a) Programs of
instruction listed in the Commission's Academic Program Inventory do not
require additional Commission approval to be configured and offered as distance
education programs. However, institutions preparing to offer existing programs
as distance education offerings must report this intent to the Commission prior
to implementation.
(b) Institutions
intending to deliver a new program of instruction as a distance education
program are to note this on the program proposal so that no further
notification is needed prior to implementation.
(c) The Commission on Higher Education does
not require prior notification of distance education in the following cases:
1. Configuration of individual courses for
distance education.
2. Programs of
instruction where less than 100% of the coursework is delivered through
distance education modalities.
Author: Leonard Lock; Robin McGill
Statutory Authority:
Code of Ala.
1975, §§
16-5-1
et
seq.
