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2.12.01: Off-Campus Instructional Siting

SUBJECT: Off-Campus Instructional Siting
SOURCE: Board Policy Manual 303.03, 920

POLICY

303.03 INSTRUCTION OFFERED EXTERNALLY

The University System will strive to provide educational opportunities sufficient to meet the needs of the state and the demands of Georgia citizens. Institutions within the University System are encouraged to explore the possibility of external course and degree program offerings to meet these needs. The following policies will govern the operations of all University System external undergraduate and graduate credit offerings.

The Board of Regents recognizes two categories of external offerings: off-campus instruction and distance education. Off-campus instruction is defined as traditional face-to-face classroom instruction that occurs at a location away from the home premises of the institution. Distance education is defined as a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction occurs when student and instructor are not in the same place and the instruction is delivered using technology.

Institutions wishing to offer courses and/or degree programs externally must adhere to the guidelines, criteria, and nomenclature contained in the document entitled "External Instruction in the University System of Georgia: Policies and Procedures," as adopted by the Board of Regents on February 2, 2005, and as thereafter amended. This document is maintained in the Academic Affairs Handbook. The designation of an off-campus instructional location as a campus, center, or consortium requires approval by the Board of Regents.

Institutions wishing to offer degree programs externally (off-campus or at a distance) must first submit and receive approval for an institutional Instructional Delivery Plan ("IDP"). Institutional IDPs should be updated at least every three years, and each updated version should be accompanied by notification to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs of intent to continue and/or discontinue external program offerings. Approval of the IDP will be granted only upon a clear demonstration by the requesting institution that external offerings are appropriate to its mission and that all necessary facilities, technical infrastructure, faculty, staff, and other supporting resources are available or can be provided to maintain program standards comparable to those maintained for on-campus programs.

It is desirable in most instances to have the closest qualified institution respond to off-campus credit course needs. In cases where requests for services exceed the qualifications or ability of the closest institution, attempts should be made to have such requests met by other qualified University System institutions.

Prior to the offering of off-campus course work, the president of the institution proposing such work will notify the president(s) of any other University System institution(s) located in closer geographic proximity to the site proposed for the off-campus course work. In the event the involved institutions are unable to arrive at a mutual agreement on the offering of off-campus credit courses, the issues will be referred to the Chancellor for final resolution. (BR Minutes, February 2005.)

920 OFF-CAMPUS INSTRUCTIONAL SITING

In accordance with Section 303.03 of The Policy Manual, University System institutions may offer instruction at locations away from their home campuses. Institutions must follow appropriate procedures for approval to offer such instruction as specified in Section 303.03. No institution may propose the use of any off-campus instructional location prior to approval of the academic program(s) to be offered at that location.

Once approval to offer external instruction has been secured, any utilization of off-campus facilities must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Every off-campus instructional location in the University System of Georgia will conform to all appropriate standards of due diligence, structural integrity, adequacy of resources, and responsible use as designated by the Vice Chancellor for Facilities. Facilities will be appropriate to support the academic purpose of the off-campus location and will reflect quality standards comparable to home campus facilities.

  • Any off-campus instructional location that requires or anticipates no capital investment for facilities (either to acquire or to operate) within the next three fiscal years is subject to administrative review and approval by the Chancellor.

  • Any off-campus instructional location that requires or anticipates a capital investment for facilities (either to acquire or to operate) within the next three fiscal years must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Regents.

  • In all cases, the proposal shall be reviewed in accordance with the External Instruction in the University System of Georgia: Policies and Procedures, as adopted by the Board of Regents on February 2, 2005, and as thereafter amended. Institutions must adhere to the guidelines, criteria, and nomenclature contained in that document. The designation of an off-campus instructional location as a campus, center, or consortium requires approval by the Board of Regents through its Committee on Academic Affairs.

  • The University System Office's review shall be coordinated by the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academics and Fiscal Affairs in consultation with the Vice Chancellor for Facilities, and if the proposal anticipates the creation of a new location or significant expansion of an existing location, it shall be presented to the Board of Regents for approval. (BR Minutes, February 2005.)

Last Updated: 08/04/2005


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