University of Kentucky®
The Course Quality (CQ) Design Program is a funded initiative that supports full‑time instructors who teach fully online courses in designing high‑quality courses. The program helps participants apply evidence‑based practices to create engaging, learner‑centered online courses that improve student learning outcomes. Instructors who complete the program's milestones will receive a $2,000 incentive. Participation is capped at 10 participants. Instructors must apply and be selected to participate.
Who Should Apply
Full-time instructors who teach distance learning (DL) courses and who:
- Have taught the DL course selected for improvements for at least two semesters (as either primary or in a co-instructor role).
- Can commit to participating in all required program activities.
- Have not participated in the program before.
What You Will Gain
- Practical expertise in designing and delivering high‑quality online courses.
- Personalized instructional design support and feedback.
- Updated course materials aligned with Quality Matters (QM) standards.
- Strategies for using purposeful media, activities, and assessments to boost engagement and learning.
- A complete, evidence‑based online course ready for teaching and quality assurance.
You can also read testimonials from past participants to get an idea of what you will gain through participation in the UK Online Course Quality Design program.
Application Criteria
- Full-time Instructor teaching DL courses.
- Instructor identifies one DL course for QA improvements.
- Instructor has taught the DL course selected for improvements for at least two semesters (as either primary or in a co-instructor role).
- Instructor statement describing what they hope to improve/gain from the experience.
- Instructor commits to participating in all required meetings/activities.
- Instructor agrees to share feedback to assist with program improvements.
- Selected DL course must demonstrate improvement in targeted QA areas upon completion of program.
- Letter of support from Department Chair.
Application Schedule
- Applications Open: March 10, 2026
- Application Deadline: April 3, 2026
- Application Review: April 6-10, 2026
- Notification: April 13, 2026 with confirmation of acceptance (from applicant) by April 20, 2026
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your online course and receive a $2,000 incentive.
Program Structure
The program is concentrated over the summer term. Activities run May 4, 2026 through Oct/Nov 2026.
Spring 2026
| Date | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Completion of asynchronous Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) training. | |
| May 15, 2026 | Review of Canvas Instructor Video Orientation (as needed). | Address some of the LMS competencies beforehand |
| May 18, 2026 | Instructor self-review of selected DL course. | Pre-summer workshop |
| May 18, 2026 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Three-day foundation workshop with four topical sessions and hands-on design each day (in-person). | Program milestone |
| May 19, 2026 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Three-day foundation workshop with four topical sessions and hands-on design each day (in-person). | Program milestone |
| May 20, 2026 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Three-day foundation workshop with four topical sessions and hands-on design each day (in-person). | Program milestone |
| Ongoing | A dedicated UKO Instructional Designer (ID) will be assigned to each instructor for consultations and collaboration activities (virtual or in-person). |
Summer 2026
| Date | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2026 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Virtual session with online assignments. Recordings of sessions will be available for post-session review. | Program milestone |
| June 17, 2026 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Virtual session with online assignments. Recordings of sessions will be available for post-session review. | Program milestone |
| June 24, 2026 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Virtual session with online assignments. Recordings of sessions will be available for post-session review. | Program milestone |
| Ongoing | Assigned IDs available for consultations/office hours | |
| Ongoing | Instructors are encouraged and supported to work on course revisions throughout the course design program | |
| TBA | Summer payout* |
Fall 2026
| Date | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2, 2026 | Complete revised course and submit for review | Program milestone |
| Sept. 9, 2026 | ID course review to be completed returned to instructor for final revisions | |
| Sept. 16, 2026 | Final instructor revisions due | |
| Sept. 23, 2026 | Final ID course review completed | |
| Mid Oct. or early Nov. 2026 | Showcase and recognition | |
| TBA | Fall payout* |
*NOTE: Funding and payout amount is dependent upon completion of mandatory milestones. Retro funding will not be provided for milestones left uncompleted at the end of the pilot.
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