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Diane Filion Center for
Advancing Faculty Excellence

Advancing Faculty Excellence

Distance and Remote Learning Policy Guidance

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º£½ÇÂÛ̳ continues to follow UM System definitions and policies regarding distance education, instructional video, and student privacy. These policies serve as the compliance framework for º£½ÇÂÛ̳ faculty developing and delivering online or remote courses. º£½ÇÂÛ̳-specific policies will be developed for review and implementation in 2025–2026.

Distance Education Definitions

º£½ÇÂÛ̳ currently uses the UM System-aligned definitions for:

  • Distance Education: 75% or more of instruction occurs remotely with regular, substantive interaction.

  • Online Course: A type of distance education delivered specifically via the internet.

  • Distance Program: 50% or more of program courses are offered via distance education.

  • Online Program: A distance program offered primarily through internet-based instruction.

  • Online Student: Enrolled in an online program and taking at least 51% of credits online.

  • Online Course-Taker: Enrolled in one or more online courses, regardless of program.

These definitions align with federal regulations (Title IV), HLC accreditation requirements, VA housing eligibility, and international student compliance.

Academic Freedom and Flexibility
Faculty retain the right to establish instructional expectations, including video use, but are encouraged to offer flexibility in cases of student hardship (e.g., no webcam, unreliable internet, limited space).

Instructional Use of Video
Video can be used for lectures, presentations, interviews, and synchronous sessions. Faculty may require webcams if pedagogically justified but should provide alternatives during emergencies or for students facing significant barriers.

Video for Proctoring and Academic Integrity
Faculty may use systems such as Respondus or SmarterProctoring for monitoring exams, but only during assessments. Alternatives should be considered when students cannot meet video proctoring requirements.

Notice Requirements
Instructors must clearly communicate video requirements in the syllabus or via Canvas/email. This applies both to course design and emergency transitions to remote learning.

  • FERPA-Protected Content: If students are visible, audible, or identifiable in a recording, those segments are considered educational records.

  • Internal Use: Recordings may be shared within the course (same term) without additional consent.

  • External Use: Public sharing or reuse in future terms requires de-identification or written consent.

  • Best Practices: Instructors should avoid referring to students by name or showing their video in recordings, and use FERPA-compliant Zoom settings.

UM System policy (CRR 100.030) governs ownership of instructional materials, including those developed for online delivery. Faculty with questions should consult the UM System FAQ on intellectual property or contact the Office of General Counsel.

Visiting students requesting accommodations at º£½ÇÂÛ̳ should contact º£½ÇÂÛ̳ Student Disability Services and provide a copy of their home institution’s accommodation letter. An intake meeting will be required to issue a º£½ÇÂÛ̳ accommodation letter. Permanent transfers require additional documentation.