Online instruction, as defined by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and SCSU must meet criteria defined by the HLC. All curriculum, instruction, and student support for online education programs and courses will be comparable in quality and standards to programs offered in face-to-face instructional formats. Online courses and degree programs must meet the standards below.
Online Standards:
Online Degree Program
St. Cloud State University expects that the following criteria must be met before a degree program can be offered in an online format. The program has been shown to meet a discernable need by Academic Affairs and does not negatively impact any existing programs at SCSU.
The degree program and liberal education requirements are offered entirely online and allow students to graduate in a timeframe equal to face-to-face programs.
It is required that all online instruction must be conducted within the learning management system that has been selected and supported by the Minnesota State System or SCSU.
Online learning development will reside in the framework of existing University curriculum policies and procedures for academic courses and programs (see Related Policies below).
Online Course
St. Cloud State University expects that the following criteria must be met before an individual course can be offered in an online format. The course has been shown to meet a discernable need by a department and does not negatively impact any existing courses at SCSU.
The course is offered entirely online and allows departments to schedule courses which may not be available face-to-face, or enables students to graduate in established timeframes.
It is required that all online instruction must be conducted within the learning management system that has been selected and supported by the Minnesota State System or SCSU.