Online Learning Services
The UAkron Online Promise
A successful learning experience can only occur if both the learner and instructor fulfill specific expectations for each other throughout the duration of the course. The UAkron Online Promise is a demonstration of 6 reciprocal guarantees between UAkron Online Learners and Faculty.
UAkron Online Learners and Faculty are:
- Prepared for Online Learning
- Consistently Communicating
- Actively Engaged
- Accountable
- Collaborative
- Committed to Success
Faculty that exemplify The UAkron Online Promise proudly display a certification mark on your course homepage in recognition of your dedication to online student success.
The UAkron Online Promise includes 3-levels that our faculty can meet.
- Foundations of Excellence (Preparatory Stage)
- Committed to Quality (Level 1)
- Quality Online Course (Level 2)
- High Quality Online Course (Level 3)
Our Process
Preparation and Development: Foundations of Excellence
This stage begins with an asynchronous instructor development checklist, ensuring that the course aligns with instructional design best practices. Faculty independently build their course using Online Learning Service’s standards as a guide.
Focus:
- Course structure
- Accessibility
- Learning objectives alignment
Level 1: Committed to Quality
Here, faculty engage with student feedback and incorporate regular and substantive interaction during the semester. This level emphasizes continuous improvement based on lived student experience.
Focus:
- Mid- and post-course feedback tools
- Instructor presence and engagement
- Strategies for regular and substantive interaction (RSI)
- Real-time course iteration
Level 2: Quality Online Course – Internal Peer Review
Courses now undergo faculty-to-faculty review, where peers provide structured, constructive feedback based on a shared rubric. This is a collaborative stage focused on elevating teaching practices across departments.
Focus:
- Internal faculty review
- Rubric-based feedback
- Cross-discipline insights
Level 3: High Quality Online Course – External Peer Review
At the final level, courses are reviewed by external experts using national standards. Achieving this level means a course is exemplary and fully ready for broader recognition.
Focus:
- External validation
- National benchmarks
- Showcasing excellence
Continuous Growth
Courses can cycle through the levels more than once, and instructors are encouraged to revisit earlier stages when updating or redesigning. The goal is sustained improvement and a culture of quality.
Students are expected to: |
Promise |
Therefore, faculty promise to: |
|---|---|---|
| Be ready and able to learn online with a computer, reliable internet and enough time to successfully complete your coursework. | Prepared for Online Learning | Be prepared to teach a quality online course that provides the guidance and resources students need to succeed. |
| Communicate with faculty and peers in a collegial manner and to seek out assistance if needed. |
Consistently Communicating |
Reply to student inquiries within two business days and create an online environment with a clear description of the opportunities for interaction with the instructor and other students. |
| Be an active participant in individual and group activities. |
Actively Engaged |
Facilitate a variety of learning opportunities with rich, relevant content that supports active learning and engagement. |
| Act with academic integrity in relation to your instructor and peers, following all assessment guidelines and meeting established course deadlines. |
Accountable |
Provide a clear description of assignments, due dates, and grading criteria by the first day of class; clearly communicate any adjustments to your syllabus and course schedule. |
| Value multiple perspectives and engage professionally with peers and faculty of all backgrounds. |
Collaborative |
Teach a professional, ethical, and accessible course that upholds the principles of fairness and respect, affirms human values, and empowers each student to reach their fullest potential. |
| Improve your learning experience through providing course feedback and seeking out university resources for additional academic, technical, and student support. |
Committed to Success |
Provide proactive and timely feedback for assignments and assessments that creates pathways for improvement, increases knowledge and achievement, and ensures student learning. |
