Policy Number: I-72
Last Reviewed: August 16, 2022
Responsible Dept.: Dean of Learning Resources and Online Learning

A signed copy of this policy is available in the President’s Office.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure faculty are fully prepared to teach in an online modality and deliver a high-quality learning environment to students.

Definitions (if applicable)

• Online Teaching – for purposes of this policy includes any course offered in a modality other than face-to-face learning, including fully online, hybrid, Hyflex, or synchronous online.

Policy

• Item 1:  Faculty Qualifications for Teaching Online
  • In order to teach online credit bearing classes full-time and adjunct faculty members must demonstrate qualification to teach online before the online class begins. Qualification can be obtained in one of the following ways:
    • The completion of the VWCC Teaching Online Certification (TOC).
    • The completion of a certification or credential equivalent to the VWCC Teaching Online Certification (e.g. Quality Matters™, Online Learning Consortium (OLC), other institution of higher education, etc.) as approved by the Dean/Supervisor.
      Exception:  If the above qualifications cannot be completed before the online class begins, an exception can be provided at the discretion of the Dean/Supervisor with a documented completion plan in place.  It is recommended that the qualification be completed in the first semester and the exception should not exceed one year.
• Item 2:  Professional Development Requirements for Online Teaching
  • In order to teach online credit bearing classes full-time and adjunct faculty members must:
    • Obtain re-qualification (either through 1(i)(1) or 1(i)(2) above) within five (5) years of last qualification.
    • Some programs may require additional professional development in online teaching and learning that may exceed the requirements of this policy.  The nature, amount, and frequency of professional development shall be determined in collaboration with the Dean/Supervisor based on the faculty’s discipline.