TO: Peter Jones
 Chair, Committee on Faculty

FROM: Joe Collins

DATE: 8 December 1999

SUBJECT: Distance Learning Statement

 The Subcommittee on Academic Affairs is forwarding a revised Distance Learning Statement to the Committee on Faculty for its approval.  This statement contains both a Mission association and guidelines for implementation within the diverse Marquette community.  Special note to Web readers:  This statement is not to be considered as Marquette policy; rather, it is a recommendation for possible adoption by the COF as their recommendation with subsequent submission to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs for their consideration.  This Distance Learning Statement was approved unanimously by the SAA.

    Distance learning is defined as instruction where for at least 80% of class time teacher and students do not meet face to face but are connected through one or more of the following technologies: e-mail, real time chat rooms, computer conferencing or message boards, online websites and/or courseware packages, two-way video conferencing, audio conferencing, one-way video broadcasting. While campus classes may utilize any one of these technologies to some extent this statement addresses classes which are conducted primarily or entirely at a distance.

We believe that distance learning courses can be an important way to carry out Marquette's mission by:

• Expanding learning opportunities to a more diverse population than what currently has access to our campuses, particularly nontraditional students and, working adults. (Service)
• Offering alternative learning environments that optimize academically rigorous learning opportunities and active class participation for all students. (Excellence)
•  Reconceptualizing the way we produce and deliver information to students without compromising support for traditional learning environments and scholarship. (Leadership)
•  Providing a climate which encourages "cura personalis" and an open discussion of moral and ethical issues by giving everyone an equal voice untarnished by individual differences. (Faith)

• Class size should be limited to no more than 15 - 20 students.
• Adequate technical and academic support services, including library access, need to be available to both students and faculty involved in such courses.
• Faculty should be offered professional development opportunities in effective design and delivery of distance learning classes.
• Faculty preparing and teaching distance learning classes should be given load consideration.
• Admission guidelines for distance learning courses and programs should be consistent with on-campus courses and programs.
• Course design and assessments should reflect Marquette's high academic standards and rigor.
• Courses should promote heavy student-teacher and student-to-student interaction.
• Courses offered in both distance and face to face formats need to be consistent in content and level of expectation.
• Use of distance learning technologies and the teaching of distance learning courses should be voluntary.
• Systematic evaluation of course and teaching effectiveness should be ongoing.