Review and Approval of Online and Hybrid Courses and Programs

Policy number: 
06.030
Policy description: 

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has transferred the authority to approve electronically delivered undergraduate and Master’s level courses and degree programs to the university governing boards. This policy is intended to ensure high quality instruction, all programs the flexibility to compete in a highly competitive digital environment, encourage faculty to participate in distributed learning, and meet federal and state guidelines.

Policy owner: VP for Academic Affairs
Policy contact: 
Angie Cartwright
Asst. Vice Provost, Faculty Success
Faculty Success
Applies to: 
Faculty, Staff, Students, All University
Date Issued: 
Monday, February 1, 1999

Last updated: 

Date: 
02/21/2024
Action: 
Revision
Comments: 
Updates to this policy include changing title to “Review and Approval of Online and Hybrid Courses and Programs.” New definition for “instructional design” was added. Language was updated in various places to more clearly explain lines of authority and responsibility during the course review process.
Date: 
12/22/2021
Action: 
Revision
Comments: 
Policy reviewed and revised.
Date: 
10/19/2016
Action: 
Revision
Comments: 
Revised to reflect changes in technology/terminology (from “distributed learning” courses to “online” courses, etc). The revisions resulted in a total overhaul of content, with changes related to definitions, clarifications and reorganization. Effective 10/19/2016.
Date: 
04/01/2011
Action: 
Review without revision
Date: 
06/01/2003
Action: 
Revision