Reducing State Policy Barriers to Electronically Delivered Higher Education Programs. The three-year project, supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, is designed to foster an interstate environment that encourages the electronic provision of quality higher education programs across state lines. The Principles have been developed by a group representing the Western states' higher education regulating agencies, higher education institutions, and the regional accrediting community. Recognizing that the context for learning in our society is undergoing profound changes, those charged with developing the Principles have tried not to tie them to or compare them to traditional campus structures. Each program of study results in learning outcomes appropriate to the rigor and breadth of the degree or certificate awarded.
Qualified faculty provide appropriate oversight of the program electronically offered.
The program is consistent with the institution's role and mission. The program provides faculty support services specifically related to teaching via an electronic system. The program ensures that appropriate learning resources are available to students. The institution evaluates the program's educational effectiveness, including assessments of student learning outcomes, student retention, and student and faculty satisfaction. Students have access to such program evaluation data.