This white paper examines how institutions can design sustainable, high-quality online degree programs through systemic program-level alignment rather than isolated course development. It presents a holistic framework built on four integrated pillars: Program Design, Teaching Support, Learner Support, and Learner Success. It demonstrates how these elements work together to create coherent student experiences from enrollment through graduation. The paper covers strategic curriculum alignment with institutional mission, collaborative faculty development models, embedded support systems that foster belonging, and comprehensive approaches to measuring student success beyond traditional metrics.
Dr. Amy Grincewicz draws on extensive research, including Quality Matters certification processes, Tinto's retention theory, and case studies from nursing and MBA programs to provide evidence-based strategies for building online learning ecosystems that serve diverse student populations while maintaining academic rigor and fostering meaningful community connections.
About the Author
Dr. Amy M. Grincewicz is the Director of Instructional Design for the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Kent State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University, along with degrees in biology and mathematics. With more than 15 years of experience in online teaching and instructional design, Dr. Grincewicz specializes in eLearning, distance education, and brain-based learning. She is deeply involved with Quality Matters (QM) and holds many roles, including Senior Research Colleague. Her research and publications focus on online learning quality, learner engagement, and accessible, inclusive instructional design.
