Because the programs and courses offered by distance delivery are established on-campus courses, they are already approved. Development of degree programs for off-campus delivery involves extensive communication with, and approval by, faculty and academic administration. This includes approval by the University Senate and, as needed, the MTU Board of Control [9.2F].

Contractual arrangements with corporate partners are subject to established procedures and internal approvals of contracts and agreements [9.2A]. Delivery of courses and existing degree programs by distance education within Michigan does not require external approval by any higher education agency in Michigan. Approval for delivery of courses in other states is attained as required from their higher education agencies; notification to NCA of such approvals will be provided as received.

Effects of Institutional Change on the University

Because the proposed change addresses only the delivery methods and potentially global delivery sites for existing programs, no negative impact on Michigan Tech's continued ability to meet the GIRs or Criteria for Accreditation is anticipated.

Distance delivery to global corporate partners has the following effects on the institution:

• Faculty Workload. Courses are normally delivered to both on-campus and distance education students during the same term and by the same instructor. Faculty teach distance education courses on an overload basis for extra compensation [9.2B, Faculty Compensation Procedure]. For courses with large distance education enrollments (over 20 students), we are exploring the possibility of providing a teaching assistant to assist with grading and material preparation.
• Faculty Development. EUP provides faculty with technical assistance in instructional design and technology, which includes workshops and practice sessions which explore technology options to enhance effective teaching. Skills acquired in creative course design and use of technology will enhance on-campus delivery as well as off-campus offerings [9.1C, Teaching at a Distance: Faculty Handbook, and 9.4A, Course Guidebooks].
• Curriculum Enhancement. Delivery of courses and programs to employees of global corporate partners facilitates networking and development of up-to-date case studies, design projects, and new courses based on real-world issues and problems.
• Student Assistance. Videotaped lectures prepared for distance education are increasingly being used by on-campus students for review and study purposes.

Assessment and Continuous Quality Improvement

Because all distance education programs are already offered on-campus, distance delivery of these programs uses processes and procedures already in place for on-campus delivery of courses and programs. Established decision making processes for course and program development and program review procedures including assessment of student academic achievement are used to ensure academic quality and integrity. A special course evaluation process has been developed and is completed by students and faculty in all distance education courses. Students evaluate the course, the instructor, and the distance education staff [9.3A]. In addition, corporate partners frequently perform their own course and faculty evaluations and share these with distance education staff [9.3B]. EUP is responsible for monitoring teaching evaluation of faculty [9.2C]. EUP staff review results individually with participating faculty members.

The MTU Distance Education Student Handbook [9.1A] outlines the University procedure for resolving student complaints. In addition, EUP staff actively intervene to resolve direct or anonymous student complaints through the use of program provided complaint cards [9.3C].

Budgeting for distance education is the responsibility of EUP. Demand for physical facilities to deliver distance education has already led to additional physical resources (see below).

A recent survey of our distance education clients [9.8] revealed that the University is considered accessible, credible, experienced, and high tech. Clients commented positively on the quality of programs, responsiveness of staff, and the student/client orientation of the institution. As a result of its distance education efforts, this change will increase the value of an MTU education to all MTU alumni.

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