VII.2 Course instructions articulate or link to an explanation of how the institution's academic support system can assist the student in effectively using the resources provided.

(Very Important Standard -- 2 points)

Expectations

• 1. Because the instructor is can be the only regular contact an online student has with a university, it is vital that they convey to the students the types of academic services available to them, as well as how the student can take advantage of those service.

  2. In terms of this review standard, academic services include:

     • access to library resources

     • readiness assessment

     • testing services

     • tutoring

     • a writing center

     • a math center

     • supplemental instruction programs

     • teaching assistants

Note: simply including a link to an academic services page does not satisfy this standard. The link needs to be included with a basic description of the types of services the student will find on the page.

Examples

• • This information is outlined in the CDE Online Student Orientation (http://www.usd.edu/cde/upload/Online-Orientation-Guide.pdf). It is recommended that you refer to the sections in this document covering the university's academic support system, but not copy the information into your syllabus. In this way, if the information changes, CDE will update the document accordingly and you will not need to change your syllabus. Below is a sample of how you can reference this document:

    • For information about USD's technical, academic and student support services, as well as how to take advantages of these services, please refer to the CDE Online Student Orientation (http://www.usd.edu/cde/upload/Online-Orientation-Guide.pdf). This document also contains important information pertaining to minimum technology requirements, registration information, as well as other university services and policies.