MELA Meeting Minutes 2003 - 2017

i. Audra passed out State Authorization sheet. During the summer, the Department of Education indicated they were not going to proceed with requirements for state authorizations for distance learning at this point. The SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) movement is moving at a slower pace since department of education does not want a restraint on Title IV funds. Some states and some institutions feel indifferent about state authorization. As of right now, Mississippi is not proposing SARA legislation this year. If other states do not join, $60,000 will be spent for institutional fees to be a part of SARA. Per the handout, states highlighted in red indicate that our institutions are not automatically exempt and each institution will have to determine if it’s necessary to pursue authorization. Each institution will have to determine if it is cost effective to cease and desist instead of register for a particular state. Institutional Research members are aware of authorization states; however, this list is only being distributed to the eLCs. It will be up to the eLCs to share with others at each institution. Audra recommends going back to our institutions to check currently enrolled out of state students. If student is enrolled in online and on ground classes state authorization does not apply; however, if student lives in red highlighted state and is only taking online classes, go to the website and review regulations. Trish also said it is a good idea to check with registrar office to make sure students who are marked as out of state are truly out of state. Institutions that border state lines may have more issues because of advertisement cross into other states.

e. Online as a separate campus

i. According to Audra, an institution has to go through a substantive change with SACS first. If at least 50% of program is taught online, institution must go through substantive change process and be consistent with state and SACS requirements.

VI.

IHL Partners

VII.

New Business

a. Is there a policy regarding proctors taking online courses, if not do we need to make an association policy. (Vanessa) i. Members indicated this is an institutional policy. Audra indicated the proctor confidentiality agreement should hopefully protect.

b. The possibility of having eLearning retreat during the summer. (Vanessa) i. Michelle will check calendar and email proposed dates for eLearning retreat next year.

c. Tish Stewart addressed Strategic Planning/Committees i. Tish suggested changes to identify the purpose of the committees. Krista suggested the committees be defined. After redefining the committees, members were reassigned. Missing members will be asked to indicate their choice of committee via the Google doc. Administrative Committed made recommendation to accept changes to name and responsibility of committees; Buffy Mathews seconded motion. Motion carried. 1. Best Practice Committee was changed to Training Committee and is responsible for Faculty Development and Student Development.

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