SECTION 2.202. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The definitions in 19 TAC, Chapter 2, Subchapter A, §2.3, apply for this subchapter unless a more specific definition for the same term is indicated in this rule.

(1) Credit course--A college-level course that, if successfully completed, can be applied toward the number of courses required for achieving an academic or workforce degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

(2) Distance Education--The formal educational process that occurs when students and instructors are in separate physical locations for the majority (more than 50 percent) of instruction.

(3) Distance Education Course--A course in which a majority (more than 50 percent) of the instruction occurs when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in separate physical locations. The definition of distance education course does not include courses with 50 percent or less instruction when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in separate physical locations. Two categories of distance education courses are defined:

(A) 100-Percent Online Course--A distance education course in which 100 percent of instructional activity takes place when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in separate physical locations. Requirements for on-campus or in-person orientation, testing, academic support services, internships/fieldwork, or other non-instructional activities do not exclude a course from this category.

(B) Hybrid Course--A distance education course in which more than 50 percent but less than 100 percent of instructional activity takes place when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in separate physical locations.

(4) Distance Education Degree or Certificate Program--A program in which a student may complete a majority (more than 50 percent) of the credit hours required for the program through distance education courses. The definition of a Distance Education Degree or Certificate Program does not include programs in which 50 percent or less of the required credit hours are offered through distance education. Two categories of distance education programs are defined:

(A) 100-Percent Online Program--A degree program in which students complete 100 percent of the credit hours required for the program through 100-Percent Online Courses. Requirements for on-campus or in-person orientation, testing, academic support services, internships/fieldwork, or other non-instructional activities do not exclude a program from this category.

(B) Hybrid Program--A degree program in which students complete more than 50 percent but less than 100 percent of the credit hours required for the program through Distance Education Courses.

(5) Institutional Accreditor--A federally recognized institutional accreditor approved by the Department of Education under 20 U.S.C. §1099b.

(6) Institutional Plan for Distance Education ("Plan" or "IPDE")--A plan that an institution must submit for Coordinating Board approval prior to offering a distance education program for the first time. Each institution shall periodically update its plan on a schedule as specified in §2.205 of this subchapter.

(7) Principles of Good Practice for Distance Education--Standards and criteria for distance education delivered by Texas public institutions. This document is reviewed and adopted by the Board every three years in accordance with §2.204 of this subchapter. This document is also known as "Principles of Good Practice for Academic Degree and Certificate Programs and Credit Courses Offered at a Distance."

Source Note: The provisions of this §2.202 adopted to be effective May 18, 2023, 48 TexReg 2493; amended to be effective February 15, 2024, 49 TexReg 662