A.S. Government Resources

A Resolution Recommending Revisions to the Distance Learning Courses

Author: A.S. University Affairs Board

WHEREAS, the Associated Students (A.S.) of San Diego State University (SDSU) is the representative body and the single recognized voice of the approximate 30,000 students at SDSU and is entrusted to represent the best interests of its constituents; and

WHEREAS, it is the mission of the A.S. to represent, serve, and protect the collective interests and values of students at SDSU; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of this resolution is to recommend necessary policy additions/ changes to enhance distance learning courses and learning outcomes; and

WHEREAS, SDSU distance learning courses provide flexibility to student work schedules, transportation issues, family responsibilities, physical distance, and space constraints; and

WHEREAS, many distance learning courses assessments remain the same year after year thus providing an opportunity for academic dishonesty and lack of integrity; and

WHEREAS, certain required courses are only offered in the online format which is not an effective learning environment for all students; and

WHEREAS, certain distance learning courses require students to participate in mandatory lectures at defined times without the information being published at the time of class registration; and

WHEREAS, the A.S. recognizes the need for all students to be informed of the technological requirements of a course prior to registration and the need for an updated online course readiness survey; and

WHEREAS, universal design for learning is an approach to designing course instruction, materials, and content to benefit people of all learning styles without adaptation or retrofitting. Universal design provides equal access to learning, not simply equal access to information. Universal design allows the student to control the method of accessing information while the teacher monitors the learning process and initiates beneficiary models; therefore be it

RESOLVED, the A.S. supports the demand for teachers to provide a variety of materials to meet the needs of diverse learners through universal design for learning; and be it further

RESOLVED, the A.S. supports the installment of an excellent, ongoing professional opportunities, professional support, effective digital tools and instructional facilities (physical and virtual) that can help improve instruction and learning outcomes that emphasize the integrity of the course; and be it further

RESOLVED, the A.S. recommends it be required for faculty members to change the questions of their online assessments every semester to increase the overall integrity of all online courses and to prevent academic dishonesty; and be it further

RESOLVED, the A.S. recommends that distance learning courses time requirements are posted in the class schedule prior to class registration; and be it further

RESOLVED, the A.S. recommends that if a required class for a major is offered online it must also be offered in a face-to-face environment to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to excel in the required course; and be it further

RESOLVED, the A.S. recommends the improvement and update of the readiness survey prior to students registering for distance learning and hybrid courses; and be it further

RESOLVED, the A.S. calls for the SDSU University Senate's Academic Policy and Planning Committee to recognize the need for a competent learning environment that will meet the needs of all members of the SDSU Community, specifically to accommodate individuals that utilize SDSU distance learning courses as a tool for education; and finally be it

RESOLVED, this resolution is to be distributed widely including, but not limited to, SDSU Business and Financial Affairs, SDSU Center for Teaching and Learning, SDSU College of Extended Studies, SDSU President Elliot Hirshman, SDSU Student Disability Services, Student Life and Leadership, and SDSU University Senate.