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Getting Started With Teaching Online
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence regardless of the course delivery format. Because of this, specific qualifications and expectations have been set by the Division of Academic Affairs to ensure UTRGV’s online, hybrid, and web-augmented courses meet quality assurance guidelines.
The Policy
The Policy for the Design and Delivery of Distance Education Courses and Programs outlines the definitions, expectations, and support for the design and delivery of online, hybrid, and web-augmented courses and programs. The policy also identifies the specific process for the development and review of new and existing online, hybrid, and web-augmented courses and programs.
For more information about this policy, visit the Academic Affairs Faculty Resources website.
The Process
Review the Distance Education Course/Program Approval Process. for requirements, responsibilities, timelines, and quality assurance standards for developing, converting, and offering online and hybrid courses and programs. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is committed to expanding educational opportunities through the development of new online programs and courses. Existing courses and programs may also be adapted for online or hybrid delivery.
Below are potential initiatives that require formal approval:
- Convert an existing face-to-face program to an online format (16-week or accelerated 7-week model)
- Convert an existing face-to-face course to an online or hybrid format
- Offer established online or hybrid courses
- Develop new online programs
Important Timelines
Faculty assignment timelines:
- Faculty with fully developed courses: Must be assigned at least 4 weeks before the semester begins
- Faculty without existing course content: Must be assigned at least 4 months before the semester begins.
- Courses transitioning to online, hybrid, or web-augmented delivery: Faculty must be assigned at least 4 months before the semester begins.
Course Readiness timeline:
All required course content, materials, assessments, and technologies must be fully developed, accessible at least one week before the term begins.
Courses Not Meeting Readiness Standards
Courses that do not meet readiness requirements will be escalated. The Vice Provost for Academic & Student Success will notify the Dean, Department Chair, and faculty member that the course cannot be offered online until standards are met.