The course does not have to begin and end precisely on the same dates as the term in question, nor does it have to be spread evenly throughout the semester. However, according to SACS requirements, the total duration of a graduate course cannot be shorter in weeks than the number of credits earned in that course. In many disciplines, Web-based material could be considered tantamount to the reading assignments for the course and, as such, would not constitute contact hours of instruction. SACS defines the latter as sites more than 30 miles from the main campus. The Initiation of Off-Campus Programs, Branch Campuses, and Other Distance Learning Activities , Commission on Colleges, December 1997.
Single copies are available on request.
SACS reporting requirements, however, are rather complicated and frequently unknown to many academic units. This Office stands ready to assist programs in understanding and complying with these requirements as they apply to graduate courses and programs. Young Library offers advice, assistance, training, and some financial support directly to faculty who are contemplating the preparation of courses in multi-media format. The Teaching and Learning Center in the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies offers instructional technology support services to assist faculty in developing course materials. In synchronous communication, students and the course instructor interact simultaneously in time, even though students may still be separated from on-campus resources.