R353-1. Purpose
To enhance learning opportunities for Utahns through the effective and efficient use of new telecommunications technologies.
R353-2. References
2.1. 53B-17-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
R353-3. Policy Scope
3.1. Alternatives to traditional classroom instruction - In Utah, use
of microcomputers and electronic blackboards with telephone conference
linkups, satellite broadcasting with phone feedback, vertical blanking
interval (VBI) slow scan video using excess KUED broadcast frequencies,
increased use of cassettes and videotapes, simulclass instruction provided
over the state microwave system, and the broadcasting of KUED and Channel
9 telecourses (some prepackaged, and others produced or customized locally)
with wrap-around materials and support instruction provided at various
locations in the state, become exciting new alternatives to traditional
classroom instruction.
3.2. New technologies provide complications and opportunities - While these
new technologies complicate Regent efforts to provide appropriate oversight
of off-campus offerings, through proper statewide planning and cooperation
among institutions in the public interest, many Utah students should have
significant new opportunities for higher education.
3.3. Reassess coordination - Thus, Regent efforts to coordinate the off-campus
outreach education offerings of Utah colleges and universities must be
reassessed from a statewide perspective in light of changing conditions.
With the addition of Channel 9, a completed state two-way microwave system,
and other electronic technology, creative faculty and enterprising administrators
will have new capacity to offer courses and degree programs in many parts
of the state.
R353-4. Policy
4.1 Designing Off-campus Offerings - Off-campus education offerings
during the academic year should be designed for those students whose life
patterns require courses, programs, schedules or locations not accommodated
by the various instruction modes of the parent institution, except where
outreach centers or programs have been specifically funded to provide higher
education access for traditional students as well.
4.2. Roles and Missions Unchanged - In no case should off-campus education
or telecommunications be considered a means for institutions to offer programs
beyond their designated roles and missions.
4.3. Review of Off-campus Programs - Outreach continuing education centers--those
funded through state line item appropriations and otherwise--and all off-campus
educational programs should be reviewed regularly in the same manner employed
by the Regents for the review of academic programs. Responsibility for
quality control of off-campus education courses and programs should reside
with the regular academic departments of the sponsoring institution. Within
this framework, consistent evaluation of outreach education programs should
be incorporated as an important component of the Regents' ongoing program
review process.
4.4. Reporting Enrollments - The reporting of all off-campus and outreach
enrollments--whether credit or non-credit, acquired traditionally or through
telecommunications instruction, and including high school concurrent enrollments--should
be standardized within the Utah System of Higher Education. Analyses of
such reports may provide the basis for relating enrollments to budgets,
both income and expenses, for off-campus offerings in the System as well
as the statewide assessment of appropriate differences among institutions.
4.5. Institutional Prerogatives and Regent Approvals - Ample authority
should be delegated to institutions to make their own continuing education
and telecommunications decisions, except when system wide implications
emerge or inter-institutional relations are involved. The only constraints
placed on experimental or telecommunications classes would be the requirements
for prior information-sharing and cooperation with local institutions having
the primary responsibility to serve local needs within established service
areas and role assignments. However, all certificate and degree programs
exported off campus beyond an institution's defined continuing education
service area, whether by telecommunications or by more traditional means,
should have prior approval of the Regents. Any off-campus or outreach certificate
or degree programs to be offered cooperatively between institutions through
continuing education or telecommunications should receive formal prior
approval of the Regents so that any system wide implications can be evaluated.
4.6. Telecommunications Advisory Committee - In order to promote the effective
use of System telecommunications resources--The Utah Education Network,
KUED, Channel 9, and the state two-way microwave system--a Regents' Telecommunications
Advisory Committee should be established, with membership appointed by
the Council of Presidents. The Committee should oversee financial arrangements
and facilitate experimentation, cooperation, and increased utilization
of telecommunications resources among colleges and universities without
hindering institutional creativity and initiative. As the technology continues
to improve and instruction through telecommunications becomes more feasible,
tested, and acceptable, considerable statewide planning and coordination
will be required to promote its development and foster cooperation to properly
serve the state's population.
4.7. Utah Telecommunications Consortium - The Regents' Telecommunications
Advisory Committee, in close consultation with the Chief Academic Officers
and Continuing Education Deans, shall represent all System institutions
in a Utah Telecommunications Consortium, to coordinate, promote, and offer
telecourses over the EDNET microwave system, Channel 9, and Channel 7,
sponsored by the institutions. The Consortium will serve as an information
clearinghouse, resolve competing requests for time or System telecommunications
resources, determine which institutions offer which courses over Channel
9 or Channel 7, lend expertise and provide access through requests for
proposals to institutions wanting to offer open broadcast telecourses or
clusters of courses, and publicize program offerings on a regular basis.
4.8. Other Advisory Committee Purposes - Consistent with the new Utah Higher
Education Master Plan, the Telecommunications Advisory Committee, in addition
to guiding the Consortium, will serve the following purposes:
4.8.1. Review and approve the annual Utah Education Network/EDNET/KULC
budget, and determine access fees for telecommunications services
4.8.2. Resolve competing requests for time on KULC and EDNET systems
4.8.3. Determine the hours of operation for Channel 9
4.8.4. Review statewide telecommunications grant proposals affecting higher
education
4.8.5. Serve as the statewide telecommunications master planning task force,
proposing system plans and policies for administration and expansion
4.8.6. Encourage the use of Utah Education Network/EDNET/KULC services
where they can be used to provide improved access to quality education
and training in a cost effective manner
4.8.7. Represent respective institutional interest at the System level,
and inform local administrators, faculty, and staff about telecommunications
programs, opportunities, resources, and other issues.
4.9. Advisory Committee Membership - Membership of the Telecommunications
Advisory Committee is found under Policy and Procedures R26 in the System
Directories portion of this volume.
(Approved December 12, 1986, amended October 9, 1987 and December 14, 1990.)