eCampus programs garner Quality Matters certification

Bowling Green State University received Quality Matters Online Learner Support certification at the institutional level for its eCampus-affiliated programs. BGSU is the only institution in Ohio to receive this distinction and one of only six institutions to receive it nationwide. 

The Online Learner Support certification recognizes eCampus programs that provide all the critical student and academic services needed for learner success and use learner feedback to continually improve those services.

In order to receive Quality Matters certification, whether at the institutional, departmental, or individual program level, a program must make a case for how it wishes the success of its learners to be judged. There is no common set of benchmarks used, but the team that reviews a program must have total confidence that the definition of success makes sense for the organization. 

“BGSU’s plan to improve and expand data collection from students demonstrates a commitment to ensure services currently meet the needs of students as well as identify and meet future needs,” reviewers said.

The review team found BGSU provided a thorough and well-documented case indicating its commitment to providing support services for their online users.

“It documented how gaps in services are identified and the information utilized for improvement, for both current and future programs,” reviewers said. “The QM Coordinator worked very hard to organize the information provided him during the course of the review and his efforts were readily apparent in the final product. Further, the team was very impressed with the Online Learner Orientation course and its ease of use.” 

Terence Armentano, assistant director of the Office of Online and Summer Academic Programs, was instrumental in helping the University receive the honor. He worked diligently on the project over the last 10 months and went through several revise and resubmit recommendations from the QM review team before passing the final stage. 

“The certification process started about one year ago," Armentano said. "I had to provide three years of credible, longitudinal data to demonstrate that learner success is being achieved at a high level, including direct and indirect support for online learners in the following areas: orientation to online study, technical support, academic advising, proctoring and student authentication, tutoring, grade appeals, remote library access, accessibility services, records and registration, financial aid services, billing and institutional and student policies. I had to demonstrate that BGSU’s eCampus has a robust process to collect, distribute and use learner feedback to inform and improve learner support efforts.”

Dr. Paul Cesarini, assistant vice provost for summer and online academic programs, commended Armentano for his efforts.

“Earning this certification was a huge undertaking by Terence – one that took several months and several instances where he needed to revise and resubmit various materials,” Cesarini said. “His determination and strong work ethic really helped him through this process.”

Armentano believes this certification demonstrates BGSU’s commitment to students’ educational needs. 

“It allows faculty and staff to know that we not only have the infrastructure in place to help our students succeed but also demonstrates our diligence toward providing students with a world-class online experience,” he said. 

“Whether you are a career changer or a career charger, when you enroll in any of our eCampus-affiliated online programs, BGSU has got your back. We’re here to help,” Cesarini said.