Distance Education

Distance Education provides students educational opportunities outside of the regular classroom setting. Distance Education instructors and learners interact synchronously or asynchronously at a distance, employing technology to facilitate and/or enhance the educational experience. Distance learning responds to the needs and goals of students for flexible, accessible courses, programs, and certificates, and includes course offerings via methods of online synchronous, online asynchronous, and hyflex. Student support services, learning resources, technical, and administrative support are provided for all forms of distance learning. Students who participate in distance education courses are required to have computer and Internet access. Before the start of an online course, students will be provided instructions on how to access the course within the universities’ learning management system, as well as information on other campus services. All newly-matriculated students participating in an online degree program/certificate will have access to an Online Orientation.

Please note, international students enrolled in distance education (online) programs are not eligible for F-1 student status at UMFK.

State Authorization for Distance Education

UMFK is a member of NC SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC SARA oversees reciprocity agreements that facilitate UMFK student participation in distance education and on-site experiences outside the state of Maine, such as clinical placements, internships, etc. Students should visit the NC SARA website for information on reciprocity agreements with the state where they plan to complete a placement.

Modes of Instruction

Instruction Mode	Definition
Online Synchronous	These classes never meet in person. The course does have set meeting times when the faculty and staff meet in real time using Zoom or another online environment.
Online Asynchronous	A course section where 100% of course activity and class meetings are completed asynchronously (i.e., not in real time) online with no required online meeting times.
Hyflex	A single course section that allows students to attend class meetings in the classroom, calling in via Zoom during class meeting times, or watching a recording of the class meetings.