Central Lakes College instructor Julie Austin’s World Literature class was recognized as QM certified by the Minnesota Online Quality Initiative.
Austin’s course is one of 243 higher education courses nationwide to be given the honor this year by the Minnesota Online Quality Initiative, an organization that uses peer review of online or blended courses for Quality Matters (QM) recognition.
Each of the recognized courses has been formally reviewed in a rigorous peer review process and meets Quality Matters standards. Each faculty member has received a certificate and a QM seal to display on their course materials.
This is Austin’s second course to receive the QM certification. Her first was Composition II in 2014.
“I am so excited to have another one of my courses QM certified. The QM review is rigorous and stressful, but it is worth the time and effort,” Austin said. “Having a QM certified class lets me know that my course is designed with the students in mind, is user friendly, and addresses the different learning styles and needs of the students enrolled in the course. Also, QM certification is a great way to increase student retention, a college-wide goal. I am looking forward to having more courses certified in the near future.”
There are 294 Quality Matters recognized courses from MnSCU institutions and the University of Minnesota from 2010-2015.
Since 2013, CLC has had eight total courses receive the QM certification.