Online Learning Policies

Online Learning Policies

Wilson College offers four types of classes. 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-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..

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.

Online: The course is taught 100% online using Wilson College’s LMS or a College-approved online platform to deliver 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..

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.

• 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 a 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.

Enrollment in Online Courses

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.

Wilson College offers a variety of online courses/programs as outlined in the course catalog and on the course schedule used for registration.

Wilson College Online (Graduate and Undergraduate)

Students in a Wilson College Online program are only eligible to enroll in courses offered through Wilson College Online (designated WCOL). They also must meet any pre-requisite requirements as outlined in the course catalog.

Wilson College (Graduate and Undergraduate)

Students enrolled in Wilson College on-campus programs are eligible for online courses (designated OL) provided they meet pre-requisite requirements as outlined in the course catalog. Students should consult with their academic adviser to discuss the feasibility of online courses as part of their program of study.

With adviser approval, students may request permission from the Registrar to enroll in Wilson College Online courses (designated WCOL). Such requests should be limited to course conflicts, timely completion of academic program, and other circumstances that would prevent them from registering for a Wilson College course. Students should consult their adviser and carefully consider the workload involved in the compressed format of WCOL coursework.

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 for 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.
• 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

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 receiving certification from 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/certification process prior to teaching an online course at Wilson College. If they are unable to complete this 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 training/certification, they 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.