Quality Matters, the international leader for quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments, has awarded The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Exemplary Program Status for its Education and Teaching Program. UAF is the first university to earn Exemplary Program Status from Quality Matters, and is recognized for its commitment to providing students with an exceptional online learning experience.
QM’s Exemplary Program Status is achieved when an institution earns individual QM Program Certifications in four key areas — Online Program Design, Online Teaching Support, Online Learner Support, and Online Learner Success — within three years. UAF’s Special Education and Teaching program earned the final certification in Online Learner Success in June.
“I completed a master’s degree in special education completely online through UAF while I was teaching full-time,” said Kristy Robbins, principal and teacher at Eagle Community School. “The quality of the program was first-rate all the way. While the coursework was often challenging, I always felt supported. The flexibility of the teaching staff and their understanding of my unique situation made my experience very personal.”
The QM Exemplary Program distinction recognizes critical inputs to the delivery of quality online programs and successful learner outcomes.
“Our goal is for every online student to maximize their achievement and obtain the tools and knowledge needed for success in today’s world. Having key program components in place assists them in doing that,” said Anupma Prakash, UAF Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. “And attaining Quality Matters Exemplary Program Status reinforces to stakeholders — including students and parents — that we have those components in place and are committed to providing the highest quality online education and services for our learners.”
QM’s rigorous program review process examines critical components to student success in online learning from aligned measurable course objectives through student and faculty support in learning and teaching online. The criteria are based on research-supported evidence as well as the knowledge gained from reviewing several thousand courses, from hundreds of institutions, over more than a decade. External comparisons and benchmarks were also reviewed to ensure program participants are achieving success at a high rate.
“Earning Quality Matters Exemplary Program Status is an outstanding achievement that should be commended,” said QM’s Executive Director Deb Adair. “In today’s competitive online learning landscape, it serves as a differentiator and highlights University of Alaska Fairbanks’s resolve to set students up for success — now and in the future.”
UAF’s Exemplary Program Status is highlighted on their website and stands as a symbol of the university’s commitment to delivering on its online promise and ensuring quality for learners. It is also showcased on the QM website.
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.
