Resolution 01/02-04: Center for Distance Education and Distributed Learning

Academic Senate

Resolution 01/02-04

Procedure:

1. A motion should be typed or hand-printed.

2. A motion should first be offered to the Executive Board for review and advice on editing and parliamentary implication.

3. If changes are necessary, the motion should be recopied on another form. Amendments may be indicated in the margin or on the reverse of this form.

Center for Distance Education and Distributed Learning

WHEREAS, individual faculty, departments and schools at USC continue to pursue innovation in campus-based instruction and distance education over the Internet, Web and other new media;

WHEREAS, there exists no central coordination and support for individuals and units who wish to consider innovations in their teaching practices that are tied to distance education;

WHEREAS, the University Administration, Academic Senate and their respective committees, such as the Distance Education and Distributed Learning Committee, need to follow, support and coordinate developments in distance education and distributed learning at USC and monitor developments at related institutions; and

WHEREAS, many issues facing distance education and distributed learning, such as copyright, standardization, marketing and branding, will require inter-departmental communication and cooperation across the university;

WHEREAS, the quality of academic offerings and the adequacy of information and communication infrastructures will be central to the success of innovations;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT,

1. The Office of the Provost establish a Center for Distance Education and Distributed Learning to support the Provost, Provost-Senate Committees and all academic units at USC in fostering innovation and quality in the provision of distance education and distributed learning opportunities at USC.

2. The Director of the Center should have the expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and sensibilities required to promote academic quality in educational programs.

3. The Director of the Center should report to the Office of the Provost.

4. The Center should have an initial staff that is sufficient to support relevant committees and individual faculty members seeking advice and assistance on the establishment of a new or revised offering in distance education or distributed learning, particularly those who do not have the support staff or facilities within their respective units.

5. The Office should further the aims and objectives outlined by Academic Senate Resolution 00/01-01, establishing a joint Senate-Provost committee on Distance Education and Distributed Learning, including the coordination, marketing and support of new and existing distance education and distributed learning programs at USC.

6. The University is strongly urged to establish a higher priority for the support of the Office of Advancement in developing the necessary resources for the support of this center, including the goal for this as a named center.

Resolution Number: 01/02-04	Motion by: Distance Education and Distributed Learning Committee
Date: January 30, 2002	(No second required when moved by committee)
(Tabled at the February 20, 2002 Senate meeting)
For Voting at the March 20, 2002 Senate meeting

Action taken: Tabled