The University of Florida Quality Assurance Committee has developed standards for online course quality. The standards provide a framework for the development, self-review, and peer review of online courses. The standards are regularly updated to reflect changes and improvements in online education. In 2018, the UF Standards and Markers of Excellence (UFSME) underwent a major transformation to become the UF+Quality Matters (QM) rubric (Canvas login required to access the .docx, .xlsx and .pdf versions of the rubric).

UF + Quality Matters
Pathways to Online Teaching Excellence: Faculty Perspective

Step 1: Instructor Course Development

1. Complete the Great Online Course Workshop Series

2. Design and build a great online course with the help of an instructional designer

3. Teach the course and complete Part 1 of the Course Reviews for Excellence Workshop (CREW)

4. Complete a self-review in ProposalSpace and include student evaluations and course map

Step Two: Reviewers Complete Course Review

1. Peer faculty review course

2. Receive course feedback

3a. If all essential standards are met: Instructor receives notification and invitation to complete Part 2 of the Course Reviews for Excellence Workshop (CREW)

3b. If all essential standards are not met: Instructor team has two weeks to make changes to course and provide additional details to reviewers

Step Three: Instructor ‘Pays it Forward’

1. Become a Trained Course Reviewer Upon Completion of CREW

2. Review two courses

3. Receive course badge for quality designation

Faculty teaching courses that receive an exemplary designation will earn an Exemplary Online Award and be recognized at UF’s Interface Conference. To self-nominate for an Exemplary Online Award, view the nomination requirements page!