Policy 2:05:00:00 

Subject: Distance Education 

Distance education is an established and effective method for extending educational opportunities. To provide the citizens of Tennessee with greater access to postsecondary education, the Board of Regents affirms the effectiveness of distance education, recommends the use and development of distance education technologies, and encourages institutions to take advantage of such opportunities in carrying out their individual missions.

I. Definition

Distance education occurs when there is a physical separation of the teacher and learner and when communication and instruction take place through, or are supported by, any technological means such as telephone, radio, television, computers, satellite delivery, interactive video, or any combination of present and future telecommunication technologies.

II Requirements and Standards

Distance education offered by institutions governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents will meet the academic requirements and quality standards of the institution delivering the course.

III. Applicability of Board Policies

Unless otherwise provided, all Board, accrediting agency, and institutional policies, standards, and guidelines for on-campus instruction apply to distance education instruction. Applicable Board policies include, but are not limited to:

Policy 2:01:01:00 (Academic Program Approval)

Policy 2:03:00:00 (Admissions)

Policy 2:03:01:01 (Undergraduate Academic Retention Standards)

Policy 3:05:01:00 (Regulations for Classifying Students In-State and Out-of-State for the Purposes of Paying College or University Fees and Tuition for Admission Purposes)

Policy 5:02:02:10 (Faculty Rank and Promotion at Tennessee Technology Centers)
5:02:02:20 (Guidelines for Faculty Promotion Recommendations at Tennessee Board of Regents Universities)
5:02:02:30 (Guidelines for Faculty Promotion Recommendations at Tennessee Board of Regents Community Colleges)

Policy 4:01:03:00 (Payment of Student Fees and Enrollment of Students)

Guideline A-020 (Inter-institutional Relationships and Off-Campus Offerings)

IV. Funding of Distance Education

For the purpose of reporting and appropriations, no distinction shall be made between student credit hours generated through distance education and those generated through on-campus instruction.

Each institution engaging in distance education should budget for the acquisition and maintenance of distance education hardware and courseware and shall maintain careful records of all operating costs.

V. Administration of Distance Education

Institutions should develop specialized policies and procedures relating to issues of distance education delivery and administration specified by this policy, Guideline A-070, accreditation criteria, and other institutional policies. TBR Guideline A-070 is intended to facilitate the implementation of this policy and covers issues to be considered during the planning and delivery of distance education programs.

Institutions shall ensure compliance with all applicable copyright laws concerning the reproduction of printed materials and the use and transmission of films, filmstrips, videotapes, recordings, performances, or other protected works.

Source: TBR Meeting, September 30, 1983; TBR Meeting, September 21, 1990; TBR Meeting, September 17, 1993.