Because the traditional techniques for monitoring student performance and tracking contact hours do not always apply in distance education programs, campus/college/school officers responsible for academic affairs must uphold standards to ensure that the quality of instruction remains equivalent to traditionally offered programs.
The University is required to keep the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) updated in advance about all programs that can be offered 25% or more via any form of distance technology. The Commission on Higher Education (CHE) requires notification about all programs that can be offered 50% or more via distance technology.
For programs offered 25-49% via distance, approval procedures begin with completion of the Academic Program Action (APA) form. Subsequent approvals are required at the department, campus/college/ school, and university levels, before notification is forwarded to SACS by the Provost’s Office. The process may take up to nine months until SACS acknowledgement.
For programs offered 50% or more via distance, approval procedures begin with completion of the Academic Program Action (APA) form. Subsequent approvals are required at the department, campus/college/ school, and university levels, before notification is forwarded to CHE and SACS by the Provost’s Office. The process may take up to eighteen months until CHE and SACS acknowledgements are received.
General Approval Timeframe: For 25-49% distance programs, nine months from submission to Dean’s Office to admission of first students. For 50% or more distance programs, eighteen months from submission to Dean’s Office to admission of first students.
