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What is Distance Education?

Tuskegee University follows the definition adopted by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC):

“Distance education is defined as a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction (interaction between students and instructors and among students) occurs when students and instructors are not in the same place. Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. A distance education course may use the internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through broadcast, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless devices; audio conferencing; or video cassettes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs if used as part of the distance learning course or program.” (Distance and Correspondence Education: Policy Statement, 2010).

Purpose

Delivery Methods

Goals

Program Standards

Statement of Purpose

Tuskegee University is a national, independent, and state-related institution of higher learning located in Alabama. The University has distinctive strengths in the sciences, architecture, business, engineering, health, and other professions, all structured on solid foundations in the liberal arts. The University's programs focus on nurturing the development of high-order intellectual and moral qualities among students and stress the connection between education and the highly trained leadership needed in the 21st Century and beyond.

The goal is to produce graduates whose technical, scientific, and professional prowess is rigorously honed and oriented toward public service with integrity and excellence.

Modes of Delivery

Online delivery via the internet using Canvas, a Learning Management System (LMS).
The University schedule of classes indicates which courses are offered via distance learning and the delivery format. Alpha characters attached to section numbers indicate information about the course.
Online courses designated as “DL” are 100% internet-based and never meet face to face.

Goals for Distance Education and Online Learning

Distance education goals at Tuskegee University align with the university’s mission and strategic plan. Online courses expand access to higher education, especially for adult learners, while maintaining the same rigor, ethical focus, and commitment to lifelong learning as on-campus programs.

Degree and Certificate Programs

Programs offered online are consistent with the role and mission of Tuskegee University. They adhere to the same standards, policies, and oversight as face-to-face programs, with faculty maintaining responsibility for rigor and outcomes.

Institutional Accommodation

All degree programs operate under the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, with daily operations coordinated through academic departments. Academic units may offer degree or certificate programs via distance education where needed, with full faculty oversight and adherence to SACSCOC standards.

Programs will maintain the same quality as face-to-face offerings, supported by rigorous curriculum processes, faculty development, and sufficient financial resources.

Verification of Student Identity

Secured Login and Passcodes

Students must use their unique W# and password to verify identity in Canvas. This ensures the enrolled student is the one completing the course.

Proctored Examinations

Online students may be required to take proctored exams at approved centers. Proctors verify identity using government-issued ID. Professional testing centers such as ProctorU may be used.

Student Support Services

Distance students have access to admissions, financial aid, advising, bookstore, technology help, counseling, veteran services, student life, and more. Services are equivalent to those for on-campus students.

Tutoring

Tutoring is available through the REACH Center.

Requirements and Expectation

Online courses meet the same prerequisites and requirements as traditional ones. Faculty syllabi outline student readiness, technical requirements, communication methods, and participation expectations.

Library Support

Tuskegee University provides online students with access to its library system, including electronic journals, e-books, and databases. Distance learners have access to document delivery, interlibrary loan, and virtual reference services.

Library: Tuskegee University Library System

Verification of Student identity Fees

Additional fees may apply for off-campus proctoring. On-campus verification incurs no fee. Students are notified of fees at registration.

Courses Information

Courses Offered Online

Online courses follow the same approval process, prerequisites, and rigor as on-campus courses.

Credit Hour Policy

All online courses must comply with Tuskegee University’s Credit Hour Policy.

Course Assessment

Tuskegee evaluates the effectiveness of online courses through surveys, retention data, grade distributions, and outcome comparisons across formats. Results inform continuous improvement.

Students with Disabilities

Tuskegee complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state/local laws. Online courses reflect a commitment to accessibility, including alternative formats (e.g., captions, transcripts, accessible PDFs).

The ADA 504 Accommodations Program provides resources and support. The ADA Compliance Director serves as liaison between students and faculty to ensure equal opportunities.

Contact:
ADA Compliance Office
Tuskegee University, Tompkins Hall Rm. 404
Phone: 334-724-4343 | Fax: 334-724-4949

Student Privacy

Tuskegee University protects student privacy in compliance with FERPA. Campus Technology ensures the security of electronic student records with firewalls, virus protection, daily backups, and system audits.

Distance education students are additionally covered by the ODEOL Confidentiality Agreement, required of students and staff involved in online proctoring or monitoring.

Resources:
Policies: www.tuskegee.edu/policies
FERPA Guidance: U.S. DOE FERPA Guidance
ODEOL Confidentiality Agreement: Download PDF

Discrimination

Tuskegee prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, sex, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation, and veteran status. Title IX also prohibits sexual misconduct, harassment, violence, and retaliation.

Contact:
Tuskegee University Title IX Office
Kresge Center, Suite 322
1200 W. Montgomery Road, Tuskegee, AL 36088
Phone: 334-727-8794
Email: TIX@tuskegee.edu

Faculty Qualifications and Requirements

Only qualified faculty teach online courses. Requirements include training, peer review, and compliance with Tuskegee’s Intellectual Property Policy. Quality Matters (QM) standards guide course design in categories like objectives, assessment, engagement, technology, and accessibility.

Student Integrity and Authentication

Identity verification is achieved through secure logins (W# and password) and may include proctored exams, software, or webcams. Associated costs must be disclosed in advance.

Password-secured LMS (Canvas)
Instructor-controlled exam passwords
Proctored exams
Plagiarism detection (e.g., Turnitin)
Interactive assignments and varied assessments
Lockdown browsers or randomized test banks