Quality Design initiative
Elevate the standard of online course design and delivery utilizing the Quality Matters Higher Education Course Design Rubric, 7th edition, to ensure a consistent and high-quality learning experience for all students. Below you will find step-by-step instructions and helpful resources for faculty who are just beginning the peer review process.
- Request a Canvas development course from ITS (don’t use a live course).
- Attend Improving Your Online Course (IYOC) or Designing Your Online Course (DYOC) to earn your Credly badge and Quality Matters certificate.
- During the IYOC or DYOC, create a Course Improvement Plan and start your Course Map.
- Log in to MyQM → MyCR to start a Self-Review during IYOC or DYOC.
- Use the GCSC QM Essentials Rubric (2025).
- Select “Internal” as the review type.
- Run TidyUp and UDOIT in your development course.
- Use your Course Improvement Plan to prioritize changes.
- Get feedback from Instructional Designers or peer mentors.
- Teach the revised course for one semester.
- Evaluate its readiness for peer review.
- Complete the two-step peer review application.
- Use the QM Peer Review Application & Worksheet job aid for guidance.
- Watch the support video if needed.
QMC, Chair, and Reviewer Actions
- Quality Matters Coordinator (QMC) is notified once your application is submitted.
- Chair and Reviewer are assigned; you’ll get an automated notification.
- Chair schedules the first meeting with you and the Reviewer.
Faculty Actions
- Invite the Chair and Reviewer to your development course as “Designers.”
- Provide access to any publisher materials needed.
- Await instructions from QMC or Chair.
Review Process
- Team reviews your Course Map and learning objectives.
- Then, they check alignment and interaction standards.
- If standards fall below 85%, you’ll have two weeks to make revisions.
- Once all 22 essential standards are met, the team drafts and shares the final report.
Debrief
- Chair schedules a follow-up meeting.
- Complete the Review Outcome Response Form and survey.
Peer Review
GCSC conducts reviews using the QM internal review process for GCSC QM Essentials Certification.
Peer Review Team Composition
- QM Certified Peer Reviewer (Instructional Designer), Team Lead
- QM Certified Peer Reviewer (another faculty member)
- Faculty member (you!)
Process
Trained reviewers provide feedback on course design and evaluate alignment with the 22 Essential specific review standards, emphasizing constructive recommendations and a student-centered perspective.
Quality Design Peer Review Incentive
The Quality Design initiative was implemented to enhance the design of online courses, ensuring they meet high-quality standards that support student success. Faculty members are eligible for a one-time incentive payment once they submit the worksheet application, with their eligibility date based on the submission date. However, the actual payment is made after the faculty member has completed the entire QM peer review process.
Online Learning is responsible for processing the payments, which vary based on several factors. To determine whether you are eligible for $1,000 or $500, please refer to the timeline and guidelines below.
- If you are a full-time faculty member and were employed by August 2023, you should submit your course for review by January 15th, 2025 to be eligible for the $1000 incentive payment or August 15th, 2025 for the $500 incentive payment.
- If you are an adjunct and your division chair asked you to attend the DYOC or IYOC training and undergo the peer review process, your deadline is August 15, 2025 for $1000 and January 15, 2026 for $500.
- If you are a new faculty member, your deadline is January 15, 2026 for $1000 and August 15, 2026 for $500.