Faculty Gold and Online Quality
Assurance at CCCOnline

Chapter 3 Schedule Page [ Table of Contents ]

Between 1997 and 2001 the most frequent complaint from students was that they experienced difficulty figuring out what was due when in many courses. While many courses did include that information in the course syllabus it was frequently buried in a mass of other information. In 2001 CCCOnline began asking faculty to create a separate schedule page in an easily printable format which included all of the critical due dates and assignments for the course. As a result student confusion around course requirements was practically eliminated and the burden of updating due dates each semester (which falls on faculty) was eased.

CCCOnline now requires faculty to create a course schedule that provides current term assignments and test due dates. The schedule page should be an item on the course navigation bar, clearly and easily accessible to students. CCCOnline courses cannot be self-paced; this is a requirement of our NCA accreditation. See below for an example of a schedule page.

Schedule Rubric:

Best: Schedule page is clear and easy to read; includes correct dates for the entire semester; has been updated by the Thursday before classes begin; includes “extra” information such as CCCOnline drop and withdrawal dates.

Good: Schedule page is clear and easy to read; includes correct dates for the entire semester; has been updated by the Thursday before classes begin.

Needs Improvement: Schedule page has not been completely updated by the Thursday before classes begin; dates are not all correct; due dates for some assignments are missing.

Why: to reduce or eliminate student confusion over when they are required to complete learning activities including at least reading, graded assignments, and discussions.

Sample Schedule page:

Course Schedule

The Schedule is subject to change as needed.

This page summarizes all of the graded assignments, exams, and reading assignments for the course. If you want, you can print it out and post it somewhere handy.

All assignments are described in detail on the unit assignment pages. If you have questions check there and/or send me an email.

This course is not self-paced and is not open-exit. All assignments, papers, quizzes, discussions, etc., are to be completed by no later than midnight of the due date.

NOTE: Important CCCOnline semester dates (e.g., drop/withdraw/term end)
appear on the CCCOnline calendar.