Does a program need to be fully online to submit for review?
Yes, programs eligible for review must be offered fully online.
What is the difference between a Review Only and a Credential Review?
Institutions can choose to have their programs reviewed for feedback only (as preparation for other accreditation or as part of new program creation) or to gain a VCCS credential (stamp of approval, so to speak) that can be used to market their program. The review itself is the same between the two. The difference is the process at the end of the review. The Review Only ends after the team finishes the review and the institution (college representative) receives the feedback. The Credential ends there only if the program meets the criteria. If not, the program has an opportunity to revise and resubmit evidence and narratives. The review chair will then review the resubmission and provide feedback.
After completing the program review, who at my institution will see the result?
The College representative serves as the point of contact and will receive a summary of the program review results.
What student resources, beyond online course access, need to be available online to ensure a program qualifies as "online ready"?
In addition to online course access, essential student resources that should be available online include but are not limited to academic advising, tutoring, library services, career services, financial aid support, mental health and counseling resources, disability accommodations, and technical support. Offering these wrap-around services online ensures that students in distance learning programs have equitable access to the same vital resources as their on-campus peers, supporting their academic success and overall well-being.
How do you review and evaluate faculty preparedness and support for teaching in an online environment?
The EDLT program review does not assess faculty preparedness or conduct individual course reviews. Institutions are responsible for completing their own course reviews prior to submitting the online program for evaluation.
As an institution, how can we ensure that the results of our program review will remain confidential and not be disclosed to others within the VCCS?
Each EDLT Reviewer and Chair sign a confidentiality agreement, which safeguards the information and outcomes of the colleges involved in the EDLT program review.
How often can an institution request an online program review for a program that has already been reviewed?
Colleges may resubmit a program for review once every five years. For more details, refer to the EDLT website.
How can an institution request a review for an online program?
The application period runs from April 1 - April 30 each year. The application link can be found on the EDLT website. The college will designate a college representative to work with areas within the college (which may include the program head, distance learning/instructional design team, academic dean, CAO, and/or director of institutional effectiveness) to complete the application in the VCCS-EDLT Application Dashboard, indicating whether the goal is Review Only or VCCS Credential. ALL program materials must be submitted in the VCCS-EDLT Application Portal by June 30th.
Will a faculty member from my institution serve as a reviewer of my program?
No. All reviewers and chairs submit a conflict of interest statement as they apply for a review. Neither reviewers nor chairs can review programs at any institution with which they have a current employment affiliation (either full-time, adjunct, part-time, or contract).
How does an institution align program review with accreditation?
While the online program review is not directly tied to accreditation requirements, it will help ensure that the program meets quality standards and supports continuous improvement, which are key components of maintaining accreditation.
Who will be reviewing my institution's program?
EDLT program reviewers are full-time and administrative faculty members from the 23 VCCS colleges who have completed EDLT Reviewer training.
What is the cost to have a program reviewed?
The cost for a program review is $1000 which includes payment to the Review team and minimal administrative fees.
What is the difference between Review only and Credential?
Institutions can choose to have their programs reviewed for feedback only (as preparation for other accreditation or as a piece of new program creation) or to gain a VCCS credential (stamp of approval, so to speak) they can use to market their program. The review itself is the same between the two. The difference is the process at the end of the review. The Review Only ends after the team finishes the review and the institution (college representative) receives the feedback. The Credential ends there only if the program meets the criteria. If not, the program has an opportunity to revise and resubmit evidence and narratives. The review chair will then review the resubmission and provide feedback.
What is a reviewer?
A reviewer is a VCCS full-time or administrative faculty member who has applied to be an EDLT Program Reviewer and completed the reviewer training (2 parts - synchronous and asynchronous).
What is a chair?
A reviewer can become a chair after completing at least one review. A chair has additional responsibilities in the review process and receives more pay.
What is a trainer?
A chair can become a trainer after chairing at least one review and completing the applicable training. The trainer conducts reviewer training sessions once per year (facilitates synchronous sessions and asynchronous courses).
What is the difference between a reviewer and a chair?
A reviewer has applied to be a reviewer and completed the reviewer training (2 parts - synchronous and asynchronous). A reviewer can become a chair after completing at least one review.
What is the difference between a chair and a trainer?
A chair can become a trainer after chairing at least one review and completing the applicable training.
Does a reviewer have to become a chair?
No. A reviewer does not have to take on chairperson responsibilities.
Does a chair have to become a trainer?
No. A chair does not have to take on trainer responsibilities.
How am I paid?
Reviewers, chairs, and trainers are considered contractors for the VCCS. They will submit a W-9 form which will be paid through the VCCS system office.
Is my employer’s HR office involved?
No. All payments are processed through the VCCS system office.
Is this work considered part of my normal workload?
No. This is considered contract work and is separate from your full-time faculty contract.
As a reviewer, what if I have a question about the submitted evidence, narrative, and/or rubric criteria, who do I contact?
Reviewers should contact the chair of their review team with any questions about the review.
What if I am a review chair, and I have a question about submitted evidence, narrative, and/or rubric criteria?
Chairs should contact the project manager with any questions about the review.
Can I review a program at my institution?
No. All reviewers and chairs submit a conflict of interest statement as they apply for a review. Neither reviewers nor chairs can review programs at any institution with which they have a current employment affiliation (either full-time, adjunct, part-time, or contract).
How do I become a reviewer?
You may apply to become a reviewer through the EDLT dashboard. The reviewer application window is open from April 1 - April 30 of every year. If your application is accepted, you must complete a two-part training (asynchronous and synchronous).
What if I cannot finish a review? Will I get partial pay?
No. If you accept a review, you must complete all parts to receive compensation.
What if I am called into a review team late (after the review has begun), will I receive extra pay?
No. Pay for the reviews are set amounts.
What if I am called into a review late (after the review has begun), will I be given the full 3 weeks to complete my review?
Unfortunately no. Reviewers who are called into the process as a backup will have a shortened timeline to complete the review. All reviews must be submitted to the dashboard for the chair to review by July 24 of each year.
I am classified staff or adjunct faculty. Can I be a reviewer?
Unfortunately, not at this time. Only full-time and administrative faculty are eligible to review.
What is the timeline for a review?
The timeline is available on the EDLT site and on all EDLT rubrics.
Will I be reviewing individual courses?
No. One prerequisite to a program review is that all required courses have already gone through course reviews.
Is there travel involved?
New reviewers in 2025 are required to attend an in-person training session in Roanoke, VA in June. Afterward, the synchronous training will be virtual. There is no travel required as part of an individual program review.
What kind of programs might I review?
Any VCCS fully online credit or non-credit, degree or certificate program can be submitted for a review.
Does a review have a subject matter expert requirement?
While ideally, a review team could include a SME, it is not a requirement for these reviews.
What is considered a fully online program?
An online program is one in which all program elements can be completed remotely (online, web-based, etc.). This includes everything from application to completion or graduation. I.e, all required courses, application to the college and program, financial aid, books, student support services, tutoring, testing, disability accommodations, tuition payment, library services, technical support, graduation application, etc.
Is my role different in a Credential Review versus a Review Only?
As a reviewer, no. Your responsibilities are the same in the two reviews. As a Chair, maybe. If the program meets all criteria requirements, they earn the credential and the review concludes. If the program does not meet all criteria requirements, then the program has the opportunity to revise and resubmit. If they resubmit, the chair has the responsibility to review and provide feedback for revisions.
Will I be identified as a reviewer to the program college representative before, during, or after the review?
No. All review communication will take place through the dashboard. Neither the chairs’ nor reviewers’ names or contact information will be available to the program’s college representative.
Will the program college representative be contacting review team members?
No. The program’s college representative will communicate with the project manager.
Will I receive any proof of training or credentials for being a reviewer?
Once you complete the reviewer training, you will earn a Canvas credential that can be used in your email signature, social media, etc.
Can I see a list of trainings I have completed?
Yes, the dashboard will include a transcript of your completed training and the programs you have reviewed.