Quality Matters Announces Inaugural Recipients of Quality in Course Sharing (QiCS) Recognition

Quality Matters (QM), the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments, and Acadeum, a pioneer in online course sharing technology, today announced the first-ever recipients of Quality in Course Sharing (QiCS) Recognition. The Community College of Baltimore County, University of Mount Union, and Western Texas College were honored for their commitment to offering high-quality shared online courses that meet rigorous academic and student support standards.

“The strength of online course sharing lies in supporting students through collaboration: institutions will succeed through collaboration, not competition. At the same time, maintaining high standards of quality is essential,” said Deb Adair, CEO of Quality Matters. “This recognition highlights institutions that are leading the way in online course sharing with their commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience for all students — students from collaborating institutions as well as their own.”

The QiCS Recognition highlights the growing role of online course sharing, where students enroll in courses offered by partner institutions to enhance their learning experience and expedite their path to degree completion. While it expands access, course sharing also requires a strong focus on course design, faculty readiness and student support. QM’s framework provides a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure institutions meet these critical quality standards.

“For smaller independent colleges, course sharing unlocks significant capacity, expands course access, and provides students with greater flexibility by leveraging the strengths of peer institutions,” said Bryan J. Boatright, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate, Digital, and Continued Learning at the University of Mount Union. “We are honored to receive this recognition as we continue to advance online course sharing, while maintaining the same quality of academic instruction and experience that students receive on campus.”

As online learning becomes more central to institutional strategies, ensuring quality across shared courses is key. According to the ninth edition of the Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) Report, nearly one-third of institutions have fully integrated online learning into their mission and over half of respondents in the previous CHLOE 8 Report are implementing specific quality assurance practices for their online offerings.

To learn more about the QiCS Recognition and how institutions can get involved, QM will host a webinar on October 10 featuring leaders from the recognized institutions, including:

• Stephen Kabrhel, Assistant Dean of Online Learning, Community College of Baltimore County
• Bryan J. Boatright, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate, Digital, and Continued Learning, University of Mount Union
• Deb Adair, CEO, Quality Matters

To register for the webinar, visit QM’s free webinars page.

About Quality Matters

Grounded in research. Driven by best practices. A community that puts learners first. Quality Matters (QM) is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. It provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations. When you see QM Recognition and Certification Marks on courses or programs, it means they have met QM Course Design Standards or QM Program Review Criteria in a rigorous review process.