2017 - 18: The committee will develop a timeline to collect materials as noted in the resolution. This resolution requested that the materials be available Fall 2016.
Whereas, The requirement of regular, effective, and substantive contact between faculty and students in online courses is present in Title 5, Department of Education regulations, and national and regional accrediting standards;
Whereas, A wide variance exists around the state regarding the definition of regular, effective, and substantive contact in online classes, leading to confusion for students and faculty;
Whereas, The absence of a clear definition of regular, effective, and substantive contact in online classes may result in courses not meeting regulatory standards; and
Whereas, Title 5 §55204 states that “regular effective contact is an academic and professional matter pursuant to §§53200 et seq.” and therefore the development of local policies regarding regular, effective, and substantive contact is an academic and professional matter that requires the expertise of faculty and therefore must be established by faculty through collegial consultation with local senates rather than by administration or outside forces;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges remind local senates that policies for regular and effective contact are academic and professional matters that must be established through collegial consultation; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges compile models and practices regarding regular, effective, and substantive contact for online courses and disseminate that information to the field by Fall 2016.
MSC