Distance Education
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is committed to delivering high-quality distance education programs that meet institutional standards and comply with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and applicable federal regulations. These policies and procedures ensure clear definitions of distance education, verification of student identity, and protection of student privacy.
Definition of Distance Education
MSM adheres to the SACSCOC definition of distance education as a formal educational process in which the majority of instruction occurs when faculty and students are not in the same location. Instruction may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously and may utilize a range of technologies, including internet-based platforms, video conferencing, broadcasting systems, and other digital communication tools.
Courses are categorized based on the proportion of online delivery:
- Fully Online: 95% or more of instruction delivered online
- Partially Online: More than 50% of instruction delivered online
- Hybrid: 30–50% of instruction delivered online
MSM currently offers degree programs that include fully online coursework, with required regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors.
Learning Management System and Delivery
Distance education courses and programs are delivered through Canvas, the institution’s learning management system (LMS), administered by the Office of Digital Learning. Student enrollment data is integrated from the Banner student information system. Courses may include synchronous sessions, asynchronous modules, and experiential components such as orientations or clinical/practicum activities.
Verification of Student Identity
MSM complies with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) regarding the verification of student identity in distance education. The institution ensures that the student who registers for a course is the same individual who participates in and completes the course.
Identity verification is conducted using one or more of the following methods:
- Secure login credentials (unique MSM username and password)
- Institutional authentication systems for LMS and web-based instruction
- Faculty-driven verification practices (e.g., video conferencing, interactive assessments)
Students are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of their login credentials. Sharing credentials or unauthorized access to accounts is strictly prohibited. System users are required to follow institutional information security policies, including regular password updates.
Student Privacy and Data Protection
All distance education courses and programs comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). MSM protects the privacy and confidentiality of student records and prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information.
Student information may only be disclosed under conditions permitted by law, including:
- School officials with legitimate educational interests
- Authorized parties for financial aid, accreditation, or regulatory purposes
- Compliance with judicial orders or legal requirements
- Health and safety emergencies
Student work submitted through the LMS is accessible only to authorized individuals, including instructors and designated university personnel. Any sharing of student work beyond the course environment requires prior student consent.
Use of External Platforms
If course activities require the use of third-party platforms or external websites, faculty must inform students of any associated privacy risks. Personally identifiable information, grades, or sensitive data may not be shared on external platforms. Students should be advised to limit the disclosure of personal information.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Detection
MSM upholds high standards of academic integrity in all distance education offerings. Faculty may utilize plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin, to support academic honesty. All submitted work must represent the original effort of the student unless otherwise permitted. Violations of academic integrity policies, including plagiarism, may result in disciplinary action.
Copyright Compliance
All instructional materials used in distance education must comply with applicable copyright laws and MSM’s policies on the educational use of copyrighted works. Faculty are responsible for ensuring that materials provided through the LMS meet legal and institutional requirements.
Institutional Oversight
The Office of Digital Learning is responsible for supporting course delivery and ensuring compliance with institutional policies related to distance education. Academic Affairs provides oversight to ensure institution-wide compliance and communicates policy updates to academic units.
Additional Information
Students will be notified at the time of registration of any fees associated with identity verification or online learning tools.
For more information regarding distance education policies and support services, students and faculty may contact the Office of Digital Learning or Academic Affairs.