Technology Based Delivery (Degrees) Policy

Policy Number: AS-2008-2016
Policy Title: Technology Based Delivery (Degrees)
Policy Owner: Vice President, Academic
Effective Date: February 26, 2016

Last Revised: April 16, 2024

On this page:

  1. Purpose
  2. Application and Scope
  3. Definitions
  4. Principles
  5. Accountability and Compliance
  6. Rules
  7. Policy Revision Date
  8. Specific Links

1. Purpose

This policy presents a framework for the technology based delivery of degree level programs at Mohawk College.

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all degree level programs delivered by Mohawk College.

3. Definitions

“Degree Level Program” refers to a program that has been approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) and Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) that leads to a Bachelor’s Degree qualification awarded at the completion of the program, as defined by the Ontario Qualifications Framework.

4. Principles

Mohawk College ensures that program delivery methods support achievement of the expected and actual learning outcomes.

5. Accountability and Compliance

5.1 Accountability Framework

This policy has been approved by the Senior Leadership Team.

5.2 Compliance

The Vice President, Academic, in conjunction with the Chief Information Officer, will be responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy.

6. Rules

6.1 Student and Faculty Supports

  • The College will provide students and faculty with support and orientation to existing and new technologies used in degree programs.
  • The College will provide technical assistance for students and faculty for all hardware, software, and delivery systems specified by the College as required for the program.

6.2 Systems and Infrastructure

  • The College will ensure that course-management system(s) are reliable, sufficient and scalable to meet current and projected needs, including:
    1. a robust and secure technical infrastructure for maximum reliability; and
    2. emergency backup provisions.
  • The College will ensure that students and faculty have 24 hours per day, 7 days per week access to secure online databanks for web-delivered courses for the duration of course delivery, excluding maintenance windows and planned outage windows.
  • IT Services will ensure that hardware, software, and other technological resources and media are maintained and current.

6.3 Risk Assessment and Planning

  • IT Services will conduct regular risk assessment and planning that includes:
    • a disaster recovery plan to ensure consistency of operational capacity;
    • back-up and storage technology protocols;
    • well managed Cyber Security practice that aligns to industry standards which includes historical audit logs and incident response capabilities; and
    • a change management program that formally documents changes to the technology environment including upgrades, modifications, new integrations or workarounds.

6.4 Integrity, Confidentiality and Privacy

  • Procedures will be developed that ensure:
    • safeguards to authenticate student identity and the integrity of student work for online courses/programs.
    • the security of students’ confidentiality and privacy when conducting assessments and evaluations, and in the dissemination of results; and
    • the secure destruction of personal data when it is no longer needed.

7. Policy Revision Date

7.1 Revision Date

April 2029

7.2 Responsibility

The Vice President, Academic in conjunction with the Chief Information Officer will review this policy every five years or earlier when required.

 

8. Specific Links