NOVA Online Up Close: How C-RAC and SACSCOC Shape Distance Learning
Today’s “NOVA Online Up Close” explores how all distance learning at NOVA—including both asynchronous and synchronous online courses—must adhere to additional guidelines set by C-RAC (Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions) and SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges). These guidelines, specific to distance education, go beyond what is required for campus-based courses, ensuring that our online programs maintain the same high standards for academic quality, student engagement and institutional support.
More Rigorous Standards for Distance Learning
Unlike traditional campus-based courses, which are governed by standard accreditation requirements, NOVA’s distance learning programs must meet additional guidelines outlined by C-RAC and SACSCOC. These distance-specific standards address the unique challenges of delivering education in an online environment, ensuring that students receive the same quality of instruction and support as their on-campus peers.
Budget Development: Strategic and Data-Driven
Budget development at NOVA Online is a strategic, data-informed process. The C-RAC and SACSCOC guidelines ensure that budgetary decisions align with the institution’s mission and goals, focusing on student success. These guidelines help determine where investments are most needed—whether in technology, instructional design or student services—to provide a high-quality educational experience.
Team Structure: Organized for Efficiency and Impact
C-RAC and SACSCOC guidelines emphasize the importance of having specialized teams to support distance learning. The guidelines outline the need for a well-organized support system that includes faculty support services, instructional designers, student services staff and technical support teams—all working together to create a cohesive online learning environment.
Training: Focused on Continuous Improvement
Faculty and staff training is a critical component of NOVA Online’s operations, and the C-RAC and SACSCOC guidelines emphasize the importance of ongoing professional development. These guidelines ensure that training programs are comprehensive, addressing both the pedagogical and technological aspects of online education.
NOVA Online certification programs for asynchronous and hybrid learning are designed to equip faculty with the skills needed to effectively design and deliver online courses that meet high academic standards. NOVA’s Canvas and Educational Technology Support Services (CETSS) team supports continuous improvement by offering ongoing professional development to support faculty in all modalities.
Quality and Consistency in Course Design
Course design at NOVA Online is aligned with C-RAC and SACSCOC guidelines, emphasizing quality, consistency and accessibility. These standards ensure that courses are built on strong pedagogical foundations, with clear learning outcomes and assessments that align with those outcomes. By utilizing a template model for course design, NOVA maintains a baseline of quality while allowing faculty to customize content to meet specific instructional goals.
In next week’s “NOVA Online Up Close,” we will explore how NOVA Online fits into NOVA’s organizational structure and how Academic Divisions determine course offerings and staffing. Stay tuned to learn more about the strategic decision-making processes that support our online learning environment!
Submitted by:
Cynthia Pascal, AVP of NOL, CPascal@nvcc.edu