2.12.03: External Degree/Enrollment & Credit Hours
SUBJECT: External Degree Programs: Development and Review
SOURCE: Board Policy Manual 303.03
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.)
Last Updated: 08/11/2005
return to top | Home | Contents | Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Section 4