While both the Mission Statement and Strategic Plan address distance learning in relatively broad or general terms, Executive Policy E5.204 specifically addresses distance learning delivery in the UH system. A second policy, Board of Regents' Policy 5.2 section (g) deals more specifically with the roles and responsibilities of University Centers. Implementation policies and procedures for the University Centers are currently being developed.

 Board of Regents' Policy Section 5.10 - Distance Learning

Revised Executive Policy E5.204 - University of Hawai`i, Distance Learning Plans, Policies, and Procedures, May 1998

Board of Regents' Policy Section 5.14 - University of Hawai`i Centers

Board of Regents' Policy Section 5.4 Part d - Western Governors University

Section 5.10  Distance Learning
(Note: This section replaces former policy on Outreach Instruction as last amended on March 5, 1981. Cross reference: Administrative Rule 20-5 for tuition and fees for outreach non-credit programs and offerings.)

1. Distance learning refers to educational programs and activities designed to serve clientele other than regular on-campus students and/or deliver such coursed and programs in ways and/or at times and locations suited to the needs and convenience of those to be served. Distance learning includes telecommunications-assisted and/or off-site instruction. Distance learning may involve credit courses at the graduate, post-baccalaureate, and undergraduate levels, and/or non-credit, professional, and community service courses.



2. The primary purpose of distance learning is to extend the University's rich array of quality instructional resources to students anywhere in the state who are committed to higher education but are constrained by diverse factors which prevent their participation as regular on-campus students at the UH campus offering their program of choice. The University of Hawai`i is committed to a vigorous distance learning and instructional effort to equalize, as far as possible, higher educational opportunity in all parts of the state. As such, distance learning is an integral part of the mission and a primary responsibility of every campus in the UH system.
3. Distance learning also has the potential to support the entrepreneurial goals of the University as well as to support the University's mission beyond state boundaries. Distance learning outside the state will strengthen the University's Asian/Pacific focus and support the University's position as the premier institution of higher education in the Pacific Basin. As important as efforts are to extend distance learning beyond the state boundaries are to the vitality of the University, they will not take precedence over the primary commitment of distance learning to provide increased access to post-secondary education to the residents of the State of Hawai`i.



4. A fundamental requirement for distance learning is that the quality and standards of such courses and programs be comparable to other instructional programs of the University. Distance learning regular credit courses and programs result in learning outcomes appropriate to the degree or certificate to be granted and are of equal rigor and breadth as those required of oncampus programs. Mechanisms for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of distance learning programs should assure the maintenance of standards and quality. It is the responsibility of faculty to establish or approve standards that apply to all instructional programs of their campus, and to apply those standards to on and off-campus programs in the process of program review.



5. The University's on-going goal is to offer distance learning credit instruction in Hawai`i at a cost to the student similar to charges for regular on-campus instruction. Applicable nonresident tuition applies for courses delivered outside the state unless superseded or supplemented by special credit course or other fees approved by the President.



6. Non-credit instruction, professional workshops, and similar instructional services should not be subsidized by fees generated by credit instruction, but rather, at a minimum, should be fully self-supporting be fees and tuition charged, plus any requested general fund support appropriated, allocated, and budgeted to support specific non-credit offerings. Similarly, at a minimum, cost recovery is expected of courses and programs delivered to students outside the State of Hawai`i.



7. The University administration is responsible for developing, updating as needed, and promulgating detailed policy and procedures to articulate and implement the philosophy and provisions of this Board of Regents' policy on distance learning. (ad: June 19, 1998; am: Oct. 18, 2002)

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Executive Memorandum 98-7
Introduction
Goals for Distance Learning
Synopsis of Distance Learning Policies
Distance Learning Policy Base

Section 5.14

1. University of Hawai'i Center establishes a permanent University of Hawai'i presence in communities that otherwise lack access to programs offered elsewhere in the UH system. The Center is a site at which qualified students who are unable to travel to the UH campus offering their program of choice can enroll in courses or credential programs that are offered by one or more of the University's accredited institutions.



2. The primary purpose of University of Hawai'i Centers is instructional; some may also serve as the receive site for various research and/or public service programs. Designation as a University of Hawai'i Center requires Board of Regents action. University of Hawai'i Centers are assigned for administrative purposes to existing University campuses. While University of Hawai'i Centers are not separately accredited, their program offerings derive accredited status because they are provided by accredited UH campuses.



3. Typically, University of Hawai'i Centers provide access to multiple disciplines, serving as receive sites for courses, course sequences, and/or a limited number of complete Board- authorized credential programs; usually a Center's offerings originate from two or more of the accredited campuses of the University of Hawai'i system. Patterns will vary from center to center but, in general, programs at the upper division and graduate level will rotate in response to cohort need and resource availability. At the lower division level, and in the absence of a community college, more continuous programming is made available as demand warrants and resources permit.



4. Courses and programs of study delivered at University of Hawai'i Centers use a variety of delivery strategies, including distance education technology, faculty who travel to the Center from their home campus, and faculty from the community served by the University of Hawai'i Center. In all cases, faculty are appointed by and responsible to the campus from which the courses/program originate and the established personnel policies and procedures of that employing campus apply.



5. Campuses with administrative responsibility for University of Hawai'i Centers work with those UH campuses originating courses and programs to ensure that basic community needs assessments take place and that infrastructure needs consistent with accreditation requirements are met.



6. Campuses originating educational programs delivered at University of Hawai'i Centers are responsible for the overall quality of courses/programs offered, including adherence to appropriate academic policies, procedures, and accreditation requirements; originating campuses also make available specialized student and academic support services.



7. The University system is responsible for establishing and coordinating overall system policies and practices for the University of Hawai'i network of University of Hawai'i Centers.



8. The following University of Hawai'i Centers are formally recognized as part of the University of Hawai'i system.
   
   
   1. University of Hawai'i Center, Kaua'i, Lihu'e, Kaua'i (administratively assigned to Kaua'i Community College)
   
   
   
   2. University of Hawai'i Center, Maui, Wailuku, Maui (administratively assigned to Maui Community College)
   
   
   
   3. University of Hawai'i Center, West Hawai'i, Kealakekua, Hawai'i (administratively assigned to Hawai`i Community College) (ad: June 21, 1996; am: Jan. 17, 1997; am: Oct. 18, 2002)

Section 5.4

4. Western Governors University (WGU). The President, as the executive officer of the Board, or the President's designee, is delegated authority relative to entering into an affiliation in the Western Governors University including, but not limited to, establishing appropriate fees for services rendered on a cost recovery basis. Revenues from any such fees shall be deposited in the Western Governors University special fund and may be used for expenses related to participation in the WGU. Arrangements that require the University to commit significant resources shall require Board approval in accordance with BOR budget approval requirements. The President shall submit an annual report to the Board on activities relating to the WGU. (ad: Oct. 9, 1998; am: Oct. 18, 2002)

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