Distance Learning Policies (Online Courses)

Distance Learning Policies (Online Courses)

Wilson College offers four types of classes for all students. The type of course is noted on the course schedule upon registration. All courses are expected to use Wilson College’s learning management system (LMS) or a College approved online platform for course content, assignment uploads, grading, etc.

Definitions

Traditional: The course is taught 100% face-to-face on Wilson Campus or a college College approved off-campus location. Students are expected to attend all classes in person during the semester. Wilson College’s LMS or a College approved online platform will be used to organize course material, assignment uploads, grading, etc. at the discretion of the instructor.

Hybrid: The course is 50% or less online using the Wilson College’s LMS. Students are expected to attend the face-to-face portion of the course on Wilson College campus or a College approved off-campus site. Online course sessions will be held using the Wilson College’s LMS or a College approved online platform to deliver interactive internet-based instruction. Online class sessions may be asynchronous or synchronous (see definitions below) as identified in the course syllabus. For these sessions, students do not come to a classroom. Additionally, Wilson’s LMS or a College approved online platform will be used to organize course material, assignment uploads, grading, and other course activities at the discretion of the instructor.

Online: The course is taught 100% online using the Wilson College’s LMS or a College approved online platform to delivery internet-based, interactive instruction. Students are not required to come to Wilson College’s campus or any other physical location. However, some courses may require synchronous course meetings as defined below. Additionally, Wilson College’s LMS or a College approved online platform will be used to organize course material, assignment uploads, grading, etc. at the discretion of the instructor.

• Asynchronous: The course has no mandatory course meetings or common log in times. Assignments/Interactions and deadlines for completion will be outlined in the syllabus. All work/communication will be completed via Wilson College’s LMS or an College approved online platform.
• Synchronous: The course requires students to be online at the same time to participate in group chats, video chats, lectures, etc. as indicated on the syllabus. Course meeting times will be published at the time of registration on the course schedule. Assignments/interactions will take place via Wilson College’s LMS, a College approved online platform, or other College approved methods of communication as outlined in the course syllabus.

Online courses have defined deadlines for course assignments. Students are expected to follow the calendar that is provided by the course instructor as part of the syllabus.

Enrollment in Online Courses

Wilson College offers a variety of online courses/programs as outlined in the course catalog and on the course schedule used for registration. Online courses are open to all eligible students provided they meet pre-requisite requirements as outlined in the course catalog. Students should consult with their academic advisor to discuss the feasibility of online courses as part of their program of study.

Wilson College’s online courses require a commitment from both students and faculty to ensure a successful learning experience. Prior to registration, students, in conjunction with their advisors, should review the types of online courses being offered and the time commitment involved. All online courses require regular log in to e-mail as well as Wilson College’s LMS or a College approved online platform.

The Registrar will send out detailed log-in information 5 days prior the start of the course.

Online Course Expectations

Faculty/Instructors will include all instructional policies on the course syllabus (academic honesty, Academic Support Center, office hours, etc.). Additionally, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Notify the Registrar’s Office no later than the add/drop deadline for any student who fails to log into the Learning Management System (LMS).
• Ensure course materials meet requirements for students with disabilities. Information will be provided by the Academic Success Center regarding specific students enrolled in your course.
• Provide learning objectives for the course and each lesson.
• Establish clear grading criteria each assignment. Information will be posted in one or more of the following: course syllabus, assignment sheet or with individual assignments on the LMS or approved platform page at the discretion of the faculty/instructor.
• Provide due dates for all assignments that are clearly posted.
• Return graded work within a week of submission.
• Provide Faculty/Instructor contact information for students.
• Be available to students via virtual office hours and/or by appointment.
• Respond to e-mail in a timely manner. Communication expectations will be clearly outlined in the course syllabus.
• Read discussion posts regularly, and respond as appropriate.
• Check online content regularly.

• Syllabus will be published on the LMS or approved online platform 1 week prior to the first day of the semester.

Keys to Success

• Set aside a specific time of the day for the course, based on your schedule.
• Don’t procrastinate!
• Be mindful of posted deadlines for assignments, discussion boards, projects, etc.
• Communicate with your instructors in a timely manner with questions or when clarification is needed.
• When web-conferencing, a headset will decrease background noise and improve sound quality. It is advisable to use one.

Instructor Expectations

Faculty/Instructors will include all instructional policies on the course syllabus (academic honesty, Academic Support Center, office hours, etc.). Additionally, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Ensure course materials meet requirements for students with disabilities. Information will be provided by the Academic Support Center regarding specific students enrolled in your course.
• Provide learning objectives for the course and each lesson.
• Establish clear grading criteria each assignment. Information will be posted in one or more of the following: course syllabus, assignment sheet or with individual assignments on the LMS or approved platform page at the discretion of the faculty/instructor.
• Provide due dates for all assignments that are clearly posted.
• Return graded work within a week of submission.
• Provide Faculty/Instructor contact information for students.
• Be available to students via virtual office hours and/or by appointment.
• Respond to e-mail in a timely manner. Communication expectations will be clearly outlined in the course syllabus.
• Read discussion posts regularly, and respond as appropriate.
• Check online content regularly.

• Syllabus will be published on the LMS or approved online platform 1 week prior to the first day of the semester.

Training Expectations

 All full- and part-time faculty who teach online courses at Wilson College must establish their credentials in online teaching in one of two ways prior to the start of the instruction:

• By completing the online teacher training course Wilson College offers;
• By being certified by the Technology and Instructional Design Librarian that the individual has sufficient knowledge and experience to teach online. The faculty member must have taught two online courses in the last three years to be eligible for this option.

All faculty must complete the training course prior to teaching an online course at Wilson College.  If they are unable to complete the online course prior to the start of the semester, they must meet with the Technology and Instructional Design Librarian before the course begins. They must complete credentialing by the end of the semester.   If the faculty member fails to complete the online training course, s/he will not be permitted to teach another online course before the credentialing is complete.

The credentialing is valid for seven years and will be maintained in the Dean’s Office.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

Wilson College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) that establishes comparable standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. The State of Pennsylvania is a member of SARA. Further information can be found here.

Complaints under SARA policies go first through Wilson’s own procedures for resolution of grievances. Complaints regarding student grades or student conduct violations are governed entirely by institutional policy and the laws of Pennsylvania. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process for handling complaints, the complaint (except for complaints about grades or student conduct violations) may be appealed within two years of the incident to the SARA Portal Entity in Pennsylvania. Complaints may be filed by students from any state with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The form and process can be found here.