254  Distance Education

Approved by President
Effective Date: February 5, 2025
Responsible Division:  Academic Affairs
Responsible Office: University Provost
Responsible Officer: Associate Vice Provost for Online Learning

I. Purpose

Distance education is an established and effective method for extending educational opportunities. To provide the citizens of Tennessee with greater access to postsecondary education, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU or University) affirms the effectiveness of distance education; recommends the use and development of distance education technologies, when appropriate, to meet student learning outcomes; and encourages academic departments to take advantage of such opportunities in carrying out their individual missions.

II. Definition

Distance education occurs when there is a physical separation of the instructor and the learner and when communication and instruction take place through, or are supported by, any technological means including any combination of present and future technologies.

III. Academic Standards

In establishing distance education programs, the following conditions shall apply:

1. Every distance education course will be consistent with the academic rigor, nature, and mission of the University.
2. When a course is offered through distance education, it will carry the same code, title, and credit as other sections of that course.
3. Each distance education course will provide for regular and substantive interaction and feedback between the student and the instructor(s) of the course. As appropriate, the interaction may occur with individuals and/or groups. The interaction may occur via a variety of communications media.
4. Each student enrolled in a distance education course shall have access to academic and student support services that are comparable to services available to a student in an on-ground course. Support services may include, but are not limited to, academic advising, counseling, library resources, tutoring services, writing support, and financial aid.

IV. Program Planning and Implementation

1. Faculty members, administrators, and support personnel involved in the development and implementation of distance education will have clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and duties.
2. Faculty members involved in distance education will have access to special training, workshops, and resources about effective distance education. Instructors will be provided with adequate hardware and software to support effective instruction.
3. MTSU will determine teaching load equivalents and faculty compensation for distance education.
4. The University will make academic and administrative information available to distance education students. This will include information such as exams, proctoring, grading, meeting schedules (if any), student-faculty interaction, student support services, and registration and fee-payment procedures.

V. Requirements and Standards

Distance education courses and programs will meet or exceed the academic requirements and quality standards of the University.

VI. Reporting Credit Hours

For the purposes of reporting and appropriations, there will no distinction made between student credit hours generated through distance education and those generated through on-ground instruction.

VII. Applicability of University Policies

1. Unless otherwise provided, all accrediting agency and University policies, standards, and guidelines for on-campus instruction apply to distance education instruction.
2. Applicable policies include, but are not limited to:
   1. Policy 251 Approval of Academic Programs, Units, and Modifications
   2. Policy 255 Inter-institutional Relationships
   3. Policy 301 Admissions
   4. Policy 314 Undergraduate Academic Retention Standards
   5. Policy 319 Classifying Students In-State and Out-of-State for Paying University Fees and Tuition and for Admission Purposes
   6. Policy 640 Payment of Student Fees and Enrollment

VIII. Administration of Distance Education

1. The MTSU Online unit within the Office of the Provost is responsible for oversight and administration of the distance education program of the University. The Associate Vice Provost for Online Learning will lead MTSU Online.
2. MTSU Online will ensure compliance with all applicable copyright laws concerning the use and transmission of text, video, audio, recordings, performances, or other protected works.

Forms: none.

Revisions: none.

Last Reviewed: November 2020; February 2025.

References: Policies 251 Approval of Academic Programs, Units, and Modifications; 255 Inter-institutional Relationships; 301 Admissions; 314 Undergraduate Academic Retention Standards; 501 Classifying Students In-State and Out-of-State for Paying University Fees and Tuition and for Admission Purposes; 640 Payment of Student Fees and Enrollment.