Alignment of the Title 5 Definition of Distance Education with the Federal Definition of Distance Education

Fall
2014
Resolution Number
07.07
 
Contact
Assigned to
Distance Education
Category
Consultation with the Chancellor's Office
Status
Assigned

Whereas, The Code of Federal Regulations Title 34, Education §600.2 includes a definition of distance education which includes a requirement that regular and effective contact is initiated by the instructor;

Whereas, California Code of Regulations Title 5 §55204 contains a definition of distance education which includes a requirement for “regular effective contact between instructor and students” and establishes that “Regular effective contact is an academic and professional matter pursuant to sections 53200 et seq.”; and

Whereas, The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) relies only on the federal definitions of distance education for their standards and policies, and while California community colleges may be in compliance with the Title 5 requirements, they may not be in compliance with the federal regulations and ACCJC requirements;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the Chancellor’s Office to align the definition of distance education in Title 5 §55204 with the federal definition of distance education stated in Title 34, Education §600.2; and

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges provide assistance to local senates and curriculum committees to ensure that colleges are in compliance with all state, accreditation, and federal distance education requirements.

MSC