Policy

The College recognizes distance education as an essential delivery system for instruction. Distance education is a formal educational process in which the majority of a course’s instruction and interaction occurs when students and instructors are not in the same place. The goal of these courses is to provide students with accessible and affordable courses for transfer and professional technical programs. Each distance education course or program must be offered in a manner that is consistent with the standards established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) as well as the North Carolina Community CollegeSystem (NCCCS), and state and federal requirements, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The College provides distance education options that include fully online, hybrid, blended, and HyFlex course delivery methods. The College does not provide online learning in a separate school or division, nor does it apply academic policies in any manner for distance education students that is different from the traditional “seated” student population. All policies that apply to on-campus or “traditional classroom” education apply to distance education. This includes admission, prerequisites, grade requirements, etc. Distance education courses must be of the same quality and rigor as those presented on campus. Distance education courses are evaluated in the same manner as seated courses regarding learning outcomes attainment and student evaluation of instruction. The records of distance learners are subject to the same level of confidentiality as all other student records.

Legal Reference: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; 1D SBCCC 400.2(g)

Cross Reference:  05.01.010 Admissions

Adopted:  June 7, 2022