Course Delivery Classifications Policy

Purpose

McNeese State University categorizes academic course delivery formats to ensure consistent interpretation and clarify variations in electronic course offerings. This policy defines each format and outlines expectations for implementation.

Face-to-Face Instruction

Courses delivered with scheduled in-person meetings where the instructor and students are physically present.

1. If any portion of the course is delivered online, this must be noted in the class schedule to support informed student decision-making. Online instruction may not exceed 10% of total course meeting time.
2. Occasional online delivery due to instructor absence (e.g., illness, professional development) does not require schedule notation but must be addressed in the syllabus.
3. Designated as sections A–Z in the class schedule, excluding CV, W, WH, and X sections. Additional notations may be used as specified in the schedule.

Web Instruction

Courses delivered entirely online with no required in-person attendance.

1. No requirement for physical attendance at specific times or locations, though proctored exams may be required if multiple date/time/location options are provided.
2. Interaction is primarily asynchronous, though synchronous engagement is allowed with reasonable accommodation for student needs.
3. Designated as W or X sections in the class schedule. Additional notations may be used as specified.

Web Hybrid Instruction

Courses that combine face-to-face instruction (up to 50%) with online delivery.

1. Class schedules must specify dates for face-to-face meetings.
2. WH courses are intentionally structured for both face-to-face and online delivery. Courses with occasional online meetings due to absences or those that simply include online supplements do not qualify.
3. Designated as WH sections in the class schedule. Additional notations may be used as specified.

Compressed Video Instructional Delivery

Courses delivered via live teleconference, either fully face-to-face or as a web hybrid.

1. Instructors and students may be at different locations but interact in real-time via video conferencing.
2. May include online instruction. If structured as a hybrid, the class schedule must include face-to-face meeting dates.
3. Designated as RC or CV sections in the class schedule. Additional notations may be used as specified.

Note on Course Delivery Format Adjustments

Instructors may modify face-to-face or hybrid course delivery formats during the term to ensure safety or respond to changing circumstances. Courses beginning as fully online must remain online for the duration of the term.

Credit Hours Awarded

Regardless of instructional delivery format or classification, credit hours awarded for academic courses must comply with the Credit Hour Policy. The academic rigor, amount of credit, and student learning outcomes in electronic learning, condensed time frame, or similar classes must be consistent with those in traditional face-to-face instructional delivery. 

Communication

This policy is distributed via the Academic Advisory Council and the University Policies webpage.