IN 11.0 - Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) Policy :

SUMMARY/SCOPE
This policy outlines requirements for regular and substantive interaction between instructors and students in distance learning courses in accordance with the United States Department of Education’s (USDE) regulations [34 CFR 600.02] on Distance Education.

DESCRIPTION
In keeping with our mission and core themes of academic excellence and student success, Edmonds College is committed to providing online learners with a rich and engaging experience that is equivalent to in-person learning. This includes meeting all federal and accreditation requirements regarding distance education. Edmonds College adheres to the USDE regulations concerning Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) requirements for distance learning courses and is intended to reduce potential risks to the college and to student financial aid eligibility associated with violation of these regulations. We recognize that RSI is more than a federal requirement; it is also a hallmark of good teaching, and Edmonds College faculty who teach online courses are required to abide by the USDE regulations, including but not limited to the following.

Faculty are responsible for ensuring RSI in their online courses by engaging students in teaching, learning, and assessment, consistent with the content under discussion, and also doing at least two of the following:

Providing on-going direct instruction;
Assessing or providing feedback on a student’s coursework in a timely manner;
Providing information or responding to questions about the content of a course or competency in a timely manner;
Facilitating a group discussion regarding the content of a course or competency; or
Other instructional activities approved by the institution’s or program’s accrediting agency.

The institution is responsible for providing faculty with training, resources, and support regarding RSI.

GLOSSARY TERMS
Distance Education

SOURCE INFORMATION

United States Department of Education’s (USDE) regulations [34 CFR 600.02] on Distance Education

NWCCU Policies: Distance Education

Faculty Senate Resolution on Definition of Teaching and Learning Excellence

Edmonds OSCQR Rubric and Process

Edmonds College Syllabus Template

CONTENT OWNER. The primary responsibility for this policy belongs to:
Vice President for Instruction

REVIEW PERIOD
Three years. Requires President’s Leadership Team approval.

REVIEW HISTORY
2024-Feb 01 Adopted and approved by President’s Leadership Team