Posted 6:15 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2024
Sample statements and ideas
The Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) statement has received a lot of attention at UWL. Administrators combed over countless versions of the policy as it evolved through the U.S. Department of Education before bringing it to Faculty Senate who took up discussion about it at a few meetings, ultimately resulting in a resolution. The resolution was reviewed and administration by administration, and CATL held a workshop about RSI in April to ensure summer online instructors were aware of the expectations, as well as created a RSI website. Since April, conversations have continued and clarification continues to be requested. So, this blog shares again why the RSI statement is needed and links to some sample syllabus statements about RSI.
WHY RSI?
In the evolving landscape of higher education, the importance of a syllabus statement about Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) in online courses cannot be overstated. Not only does the statement help UWL comply with U.S. Department of Education and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) requirements to allow UWL to offer distance education courses and therefore offer financial aid to students, the statement is also a critical component that ensures online courses maintain the same academic rigor and quality as their in-person counterparts.
As stated in the CATL annotated syllabus, the general purpose of this policy is to share with students how you will show up for them in a ways that are regular/consistent and impactful on to their learning. Consider how you do this and make that clear to your students with this policy. RSI outlines the expectations for instructor-student engagement, emphasizing the need for consistent, meaningful interaction. This helps create a structured learning environment where students feel supported, engaged, and connected to their instructors, which is essential for their academic success.
ABOUT THE RSI SYLLABUS STATEMENT
While many instructors have syllabus statements sprinkled around their existing syllabus that explain ways you will show up for students, the ask to include an RSI statement is asking you to combine your ideas into one easily identifiable area of your syllabus.
The RSI statement is also a powerful tool for instructors to intentionally design and deliver courses that foster deep learning and engagement. By explicitly defining how and when you will interact with students, you can set clear expectations and build a more dynamic and interactive classroom. This not only enhances the learning experience but also helps in building a strong sense of community and trust between students and instructors, which is vital in an online learning environment. Ultimately, a well-crafted RSI statement ensures that courses are not just about delivering content but about creating an enriching educational experience.
EXISTING SYLLABUS STATEMENT
The language in the syllabus template is this and it can be used or modified:
In this course, regular and substantive interaction between the instructor and students plays a crucial role in student achievement. I will be incorporating various forms of interaction that not only meet the requirements set by the US Department of Education and the UWL Faculty Senate policy, but also aid in student achievement. Your active participation and contributions are also essential to your learning. In partnership with your efforts, I will...
- be available during scheduled student hours as stated in the syllabus
- share information about the course materials including key information, explanations, examples, and resources via in-person, recorded, and/or text-based lectures
- engage in discussions about course content
- provide group or individual feedback on assignments
- promptly respond to questions about the course sent via email or Canvas inbox
- regularly post announcements pertaining to the course content and activities
- monitor your academic progress and communicate concerns, as needed
ADDITIONAL EXAMPLE STATEMENTS
Additionally, CATL created a document for the April RSI Summit that outlines a few additional statements to consider in writing your RSI statement. Use, modify, combine, adjust, or get inspiration from these ideas. If you want another set of eyes on what you wrote, CATL is happy to take a look – just drop us a line to ask. We know this policy is new and this part of your syllabus is new. Think about it as a way to describe to students what they know they will get from their instructor. Transparency in the interactions that students have with you.