Faculty FAQ
The distance learning (DL) program at MU offers opportunities to further the mission of Millersville University and the PASSHE in significant ways including: expanding university educational reach and identity and expanding access to new and existing clientele, with attention to increasingly diverse and nontraditional student members.
DL courses provide access to education while students and faculty members are separated from each other by time and/or space. By offering flexible and convenient access to scholarship and knowledge, DL can attract a wide and non-traditional student audience.
Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty
Are many faculty members involved with online teaching?
Currently, more than 240 courses on-campus are using Blackboard to supplement current course content and
activities! Faculty members in a wide variety of fields have already converted classes to DL format.
How can I have a course/workshop approved for the MUOnline program?
Using new technologies as your teaching format doesn't change the existing process. To convert a current course to the DL format, you will need approval of your department's curriculum committee, UCPRC or GCPRC and the Associate Provost. New distance learning (online or blended) courses and workshops have existing approval processes. So, simply go through the regular procedures for new course or workshop approval.
How are faculty members compensated for MUOnline classes?
Fall and Spring:
Faculty members can be paid in-load or off-load. For a DL course to be offered in-load, the faculty member must have
permission from the department chair and the school dean. In addition, a contingency back-up plan must be in place in the
event the DL course does not "go" due to low enrollment. For an off-load DL class, faculty members are paid using the
Continuing Ed Scale; for in-load DL classes, the appropriate CBA scale is used.
Winter:
Winter courses are always paid via the Continuing Ed scale.
Summer: Summer courses always fall into the Summer Scale of the CBA.
Additional Incentives:
Incentives include a $2,000 development stipend for converting a course, a DL teaching stipend of $500 & a DL enrollment
stipend ($40/student after 10). These are paid once the course runs.
What are distance learning (DL) courses and what is a blended course? Distance learning courses are either completely online or blended. A blended course is a distance learning course that blends online learning with face-to-face meetings. The face-to-face meetings cannot exceed 33% of the entire course (this includes field experiences and on-site labs). The remainder of the course (67%) must be taught online. A course that utilizes technology to supplement the course but meets for more than 33% of the course is considered a technology enhanced course and is not eligible for distance learning stipends.
Is technical and instructional support available to faculty members?
Yes! The MU Information Technology division offers assistance with instructional design, video and multimedia creation. The
technology help desk has hours on weekdays, evenings, and weekends!
How can I get my class onto the schedule as an MUOnline offering?
Adding a DL course to the schedule does not require a special process. Schedule DL classes just as you do any traditional
class. Talk to your department chair about adding your DL course to the schedule.
How can I get started in converting my existing course?
Review the instructor preparation checklist - be sure you are ready to teach via distance learning. Contact the Office of Professional Training & Education (872-3030). They will discuss with you delivery options, development opportunities and provide you with a
procedural checklist as well as a student information book. Then you will begin working with the Instructional Design Team!
If you would like to use teaching technology to supplement your traditional courses, please contact Albert Unrath at (717) 872-3374. He and his team of students can create the course shell for you, and can also provide technical and pedagogical support as you develop the course materials. You can also fill out the Course Creation Request Form if you would like to have a Blackboard or eCollege course created for you. Be sure to include all of the information in order to expedite the process.
