Distance Education (Online Learning)
(Policy 2.29)
Blue Mountain Christian University delivers educational programs and services in a variety of ways, including distance education.
- The online program or course provides students with clear, complete and timely information on the curriculum, course and degree requirements, nature of faculty/student interaction, prerequisite technology competencies and skills, technical equipment requirements, availability of academic support services, financial aid resources, and costs and payment policies.
- Online courses and programs will provide an opportunity for interaction between students and the faculty member responsible for the course, so that students can receive prompt responses to their questions. Faculty should respond to student requests in most cases within 24 hours.
- The Class Schedule will clearly identify online courses through the use of the course section designated with an O or in other appropriate ways so that students have access to this information before enrolling in a course or program.
- The University will use admissions criteria to assess whether the student has the background, knowledge and technical skills required for undertaking the online course or program.
- Advertising, recruiting and admissions materials will clearly and accurately represent the online program and the services available.
- Criteria for student success and expected outcomes in distance education courses and programs will be as rigorous and comprehensive as those used in classroom-based courses and will be communicated to students in all distance education materials.
- Students enrolled in distance education courses are subject to the same University policies and procedures applicable to students attending courses on campus. Academic standards regarding cheating, plagiarism, and appropriate behavior will be clearly communicated to students in distance learning courses and programs. [Cross reference with Policy 2.19: Academic Honesty and Integrity] Distance Education courses may require use of a secure lockdown browser to ensure academic honesty and integrity. In addition, all online courses are required to have the final examination video proctored online.
- Each student enrolled in a distance education course or program will be informed of available instructional support, student services, library resources, and disabled student support services. There will be coordination between faculty and library staff and student services staff to ensure adequate access and training for distance education students.
- Technical support consistent with that available to on-campus students will be made available to students enrolled in distance education courses.