VER. May 1, 2011ACICS INITIAL, REEVALUATION, OR ADDITIONAL LOCATION INCLUSION REPORT1

VER. May 1, 2011ACICS INITIAL, REEVALUATION, OR ADDITIONAL LOCATION INCLUSION REPORT1

REPORT QUESTIONS

CRITERIA / QUESTIONS

NONTRADITIONAL EDUCATION

• Distance Education
• Self-Paced Instruction
• Consortium Agreements

31500EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Definition of Distance Education
A structured educational situation in which the instructors and learners are separated by time and location. Distance education supports regular and substantive interaction synchronously and asynchronously, between instructor and learner, among learners, and between learners and learning resources through one or more interactive technologies. The technologies may include the following: the internet; interactive transmissions through broadcast, closed circuit, cable, satellite, or wireless communications devices; and two-way audio or videoconferencing.
31511. Program Administration.The administration of the academic programs shall be assigned to individuals whose academic or experiential qualifications are related to the programs of study. The amount of time devoted to the administration of the program(s) must be commensurate with the size and scope of the institution and its program offerings.
Within the administrative structure of the institution, program administrators or department heads shall have authority and responsibility for the development and administration of the programs and have adequate time and resources to fulfill these responsibilities. / H.01Who is assigned to provide administration of the distance education activities at the institution, and what are this person’s qualifications?
H.02Does this individual possess appropriate academic or experiential qualifications?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.03Is there evidence that the program administrator has sufficient authority and responsibility for the development and administration of this mode of delivery?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.04Are the time and resources devoted to the administration of distance education sufficient?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
APPENDIX H
PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES FOR NONTRADITIONAL EDUCATION
DISTANCE EDUCATION
In addition to the general standards in Title III, Chapter 1, which apply to all institutions, and applicable standards in Chapters 2 through 6, the following standards apply specifically to distance education delivery methods. These principles and guidelines are designed to inform institutions of the policies of the Council and to guide institutionalrepresentatives when designing,implementing, and evaluating distance education forms of educational delivery.
INSTITUTIONAL READINESS
(a) Institutions must notify and receive approval from ACICS prior to using distance education as a mode of delivery (See Sections 2-2-501 and 2 2-503(c)(d)).
(b) Institutions must have a plan to implement distance education instruction. At a minimum, the plan should include the rationale, resources, course/program objectives, content, and student assessment. Institutions must integrate this plan into the Campus Effectiveness Plan.
(c) Institutions must employ faculty who possess the technical skills to teach in a distance education environment.
(d) The delivery method must be appropriate for students and the curriculum. / FOR INSTITUTIONS OFFERING DISTANCE EDUCATION ONLY
H.05Did the institution receive approval from ACICS prior to using distance education as a mode of delivery?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.06Does the institution have a plan to implement distance education instruction?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.07If the institution has a plan, does it include the following?
(a)Rationale.
Yes No
(b)Resources.
Yes No
(c)Course/program objectives.
Yes No
(d)Course content.
Yes No
(e)Student assessment.
Yes No
If No for any item, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.08Does the institution integrate this plan into the Campus Effectiveness Plan?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.09Does the institution employ faculty who possess the technical skills to teach in a distance education environment?
Yes No Not Applicable (distance education is delivered through a consortium agreement)
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.10Is the delivery method appropriate for students and the curriculum?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
If distance education was approved by ACICS to be offered through a consortium agreement; respond to questions C.01 – C.06 at the bottom of this report.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND ENROLLMENT
(a) Institutions must identify the admission requirements of distance education courses/program/s.
(b) If an admissions test is required, it must be administered in a manner which verifies the student’s identity. Institutions must make it clear in writing at the time of enrollment how the student’s identity will be verified throughout the course and program, how the student’s privacy will be protected, and if the student will be assessed any additional charges associated with the verification of student identity. (Effective July 1, 2010)
(c)Institutions must clearly and appropriately state any requirements the students must possess or have access to in order to access this mode of delivery.
(d)Institutions must provide an on-line orientation program to familiarize the student with the equipment, resources used in the distance education activities, and orient the student to the distance education learning process. / H.11Are admission requirements for distance education courses/programs identified by the institution?
Yes No Not Applicable (no additional admissions requirements)
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.12If an admissions test is required, is it administered in a manner which verifies the student’s identity?
Yes No Not Applicable (no admissions test required)
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.13Does the institution make it clear in writing at the time of enrollment how the student’s identity will be verified throughout the course and program?
Yes No Not Applicable
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.14Does the institution make it clear in writing at the time of enrollment how the student’s privacy will be protected in the identity verification process?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.15Does the institution make it clear in writing at the time of enrollment if the student will be assessed any additional charges or fees associated with the verification of student identity?
Yes No
If Yes, explain how and when this information is disclosed.
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.16Do students confirm that the institution clearly and appropriately states any requirements they must possess or have access to in order to assess this mode of delivery during the admissions/enrollment process?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.17Does the institution provide an on-line orientation program to familiarize the student with the equipment and resources used in the distance education activities?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
CURRICULUM CONTENT AND INSTRUCTION AND DELIVERY
(a) The syllabi must show that the distance education course(s) has/have the educational learning objectives and outcomes consistent with the program objectives and the credential awarded. (See Glossary definition of Syllabus.)
(b) The course/program must demonstrate sufficient and appropriate interaction between faculty and students and among students (See Section 3-1-515(b)).
(c) Institutions must demonstrate to the Council that the clock or credit hours required and awarded are appropriate for the degrees and credentials offered using a thoroughly developed rationale. Credit award rationales for distance education delivery of courses or programs generally do not use the traditional lecture/laboratory/practicum formulas for credit calculations (See Section 3-1-515, Course and Program Measurement).
(d)Curriculum must be administered in a way that maintains security of access.
(e)Institutions must demonstrate that the student who registers for a distance education course or program is the same student who participates in and completes the course or program and receives the academic credit. The verification method, at the option of the institution, may include a secure login and pass code, proctored examinations, and other appropriate student authentication or verification technology. (Effective July 1, 2010) / H.18Do syllabi show that the distance education courses have educational learning objectives and outcomes that are consistent with the program objectives and the credential awarded?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.19Describe how the course/program demonstrates interaction between faculty and students.
Is this interaction sufficient and appropriate?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.20Describe how the course/program demonstrates interaction among students.
Is this interaction sufficient and appropriate?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.21Does the institution demonstrate that the clock or credit hours required and awarded are appropriate for the degrees and credentials offered using a thoroughly developed rationale?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.22Is the curriculum administered in a way that maintains security of access?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.23Describe the student identity verification method used by the campus.
Is this method adequate?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
FACULTY AND INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
(a)The institution must employ academically and experientially credentialed faculty to oversee the instruction, evaluation, and grading requirements of the distance education course/program.
(b)The faculty must be adequately trained to instruct in a distance education environment.
(c)The faculty must be supported with the appropriate educational resources and technology to instruct using this method of delivery.
(d)Institutions must provide evidence that there is an appropriate number of faculty for the student population involved. Institutions must be able to justify their student-teacher ratio(s).
(e)The institution must have a faculty development plan on file that is appropriate for each individual. For further information, see Section 3-1-543. / H.24Does the institution employ academically and experientially credentialed faculty to oversee the instruction, evaluation, and grading requirements of the distance education course/program?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.25Are the faculty adequately trained to instruct in a distance education environment?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.26Are the faculty supported with the appropriate educational resources andtechnology to instruct using this method of delivery?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.27Is there an appropriate number of faculty for the student population involved?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.28Is there evidence that appropriate faculty development plans have been developed and implemented on an annual basis for those faculty members teaching online courses, including documentation to support completed activities listed on the plans?
Yes No
If No for missing plans and/or documentation, insert the section number in parentheses, list faculty names, and explain:
RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT
(a) The institution must demonstrate that it has adequate financial resources to support the course/program.
(b) Instructional resources, equipment, and network connectivity, if applicable, must be readily available, accessible, and reliable. / H.29Does the institution have adequate financial resources to support the course/program?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.30Are the following, if applicable, readily available, accessible, and reliable?
(a)Instructional resources.
Yes No
(b)Equipment.
Yes No
(c)Network connectivity.
Yes No
If No for any item, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
STUDENTS AND STUDENT SERVICES
(a)The institution must provide students with a knowledge base of technology utilization.
(b) The institution must provide student services such as counseling, academic advising, guidance, financial aid, and employment assistance for students enrolled in distance education courses/programs. / H.31How does the institution provide students with a knowledge base of technology utilization?
Is this method adequate?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.32Does the institution provide the following services for students enrolled in distance education courses/programs?
(a)Counseling.
Yes No
(b)Academic advising.
Yes No
(c)Guidance.
Yes No
(d)Financial aid.
Yes No Not Applicable (Institution does not participate in financial aid)
(e)Employment assistance.
Yes No Not Applicable (Institution enrolls only international students on a student visa)
If No for any item, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
STUDENT EVALUATION AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
(a)Requirements for successful course completion of distance education courses/programs must be similar to those of residential courses/programs.
(b)Assessment of student performance should demonstrate outcomes for distance education courses/programs that are comparable to those of residential courses/programs. The assessment may include a synthesis of portfolios, group work, applied writing, pre- and post-testing, capstone courses/seminars, and online presentations (if applicable).
(c)The institution must document that it conducts course/program evaluations, including assessments of educational outcomes, student retention and placement, and student, faculty, and employer satisfaction (See Section 3-1-111). / H.33Are requirements for successful course completion of distance education courses/programs similar to those of residential courses/programs?
Yes No
IfNo, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.34Does assessment of student performance demonstrate outcomes for distance education courses/programs that are comparable to those of residential courses/programs?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.35Does the institution document that it conducts the following:
(a)Course/program evaluations (including assessments of educational outcomes).
Yes No
(b)Student retention and placement.
Yes No
(c)Student satisfaction.
Yes No
(d)Faculty satisfaction.
Yes No
(e)Employer satisfaction.
Yes No
If No for any item, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
PUBLICATIONS
(a) The institution must fully disclose what form(s) of instruction it uses in its catalog and web site and, when appropriate, in its advertising and promotional material. The catalog disclosure must follow the requirements as described and outlined in Section 3-1-701 and Appendix C, number 22). / H.36Does the institution fully disclose what forms of instruction it uses in its catalog and web site and, when appropriate, in its advertising and promotional material?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:

SELF-PACED INSTRUCTION

Definition of Self-Paced Instruction
An educational delivery method by which a student progresses through a course or program of study in residence utilizing either computer software or instructional materials and resources. Students progress through the course or program at their own pace with limited interaction with the instructor. The instructor, however, is responsible for overseeing the progress of the student and for evaluating and grading the student.
Note: Due to limited interaction with the faculty and with other learners, self-paced instruction does not fulfill the requirements or definition of “Distance Education.”
In addition to the general standards in Title III, Chapter 1, which apply to all institutions, and applicable standards in Chapters 2 through 6, the following standards apply specifically to self-paced instruction delivery methods. These principles and guidelines are designed to inform institutions of the policies of the Council and to guide institutional representatives when designing, implementing, and evaluating self-paced instruction forms of educational delivery.

INSTITUTIONAL READINESS

(a)Institutions must notify and receive approval from ACICS prior to using self-paced as a mode of delivery (See Sections 2-2-501 and 2-2-503(c)(d)).
(b)Institutions must shift from a teacher- centered to a learner-centered environment.
(c)Institutions must employ faculty who posses the technical skills to teach in a self-paced environment.
(d)The delivery method must be appropriate for students and the curriculum. / FOR INSTITUTIONS OFFERING SELF-PACED INSTRUCTION ONLY
H.37Has the institution received approval from ACICS to utilize a self-paced mode of delivery?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.38Is there evidence that the institution has shifted from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered environment?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.39Do faculty possess the technical skills to teach in a self-paced environment?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.40Is the delivery method appropriate for students and the curriculum?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND ENROLLMENT

(a)Institutions must identify the admission requirements of self-paced courses/programs. / H.41Does the institution identify the admission requirements for self-paced courses/programs?
Yes No Not Applicable (there are no special admission requirements)
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:

CURRICULUM CONTENT AND INSTRUCTION AND DELIVERY

(a)The syllabi must show that the self-paced course(s) has/have the educational learning objectives and outcomes consistent with the program objectives and the credential awarded. (See Glossary definition of Syllabus.)
(b)Institutions must demonstrate to the Council that the clock or credit hours required and awarded are appropriate for the degrees and credentials offered using a thoroughly developed rationale. Credit award rationales for self-paced delivery of courses or programs generally do not use the traditional lecture/laboratory/practicum formulas for credit calculations (See Section 31516, Course and Program Measurement).
(c)Institutions must demonstrate compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. / H.42Do syllabi for self-paced courses show that these courses have educational learning objectives and outcomes that are consistent with the program objectives and the credential awarded?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.43Does the institution have a thoroughly developed rationale that demonstrates that the clock or credit hours required and awarded are appropriate for the degrees and credentials offered?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain:
H.44Is the institution in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations?
Yes No
If No, insert the section number in parentheses and explain: