We are proud to announce the conclusion of our third Quality Matters Cohort at Clemson University! Eleven faculty members submitted an online course for a full QM review, completed a rigorous training course in Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR), and revised course materials for accessibility. This year, our Cohort spanned the full academic year.
Cohort participants also have the opportunity to become a Peer Reviewer for Quality Matters, allowing them to review courses internally with Clemson Online and externally with other QM institutions.
The following instructors successfully completed the QM Cohort for 2024-2025 with courses that met all standards for an internal review:
- Ying Feng — HRD 8250: Organization Development
- Libby Flanagan — ENGR 1410: Programming and Problem Solving
- Ann Gillard — YDP 8060: Youth Development in the Context of a Global and Diverse Society
- Erin Hawkins — ACCT 3030: Cost Accounting
- Tania Houjeiry — CH 2010: Survey of Organic Chemistry
- Matt Klein — MBA 8700: Strategic Management
- Theresa Melton — YDP 8050: Youth Development in the Context of a Family
- Minory Nammouz — ENSP (GEOL) 1250: Sustainable Resource Use
- Sara Robb — HLTH 8140: Health System Quality Improvement
- Jacquelyn Williams — EDLL 8000: Introduction to School Leadership
- Holly Williams — JUST 3400: Comparative Criminological Policy
Here is what some of our Cohort members had to say about the QM experience:
“What made the cohort experience especially meaningful was the collaborative nature of the revision process. Receiving peer feedback based on the QM standards gave me the opportunity to view my course from multiple perspectives, and the structured rubric ensured that all feedback was objective, focused, and actionable. The iterative process of revising my course in response to feedback also helped. It’s not just about checking boxes or meeting standards—it’s about continuously improving to meet the needs of diverse learners.” —Libby Flanagan
“The most immediate impact of this experience was a noticeable improvement in student self-sufficiency. Before revising my course using QM principles, I regularly received emails from students asking for clarification on assignments, deadlines, or where to find materials. Student inquiries dropped significantly after restructuring the course to better align with the QM rubric – primarily through clearer module introductions, standardized formatting, and explicit learning objectives. Students now navigate the course more independently, allowing me to focus on academic engagement rather than administrative troubleshooting.” —Matt Klein
“This has been an incredibly rewarding experience! The QM framework allows [instructors] to apply a similar strategy to courses – [but] the way in which we implement the standards can look differently based on our course. Going through this with a cohort was also especially meaningful – getting to see examples of how individuals implemented specific standards was useful. I’m planning to apply this knowledge to my other online courses, with the goal of having all of my courses QM certified. I feel so much more confident in the quality of my students experience, and want to be consistent with that. I will use this to help demonstrate my teaching effectiveness, and will encourage others in my department to take this step!” —Theresa Melton
“My experience in the Quality Matters cohort was excellent from start to finish. Having to think critically about what each chapter, or module, was trying to achieve and teach the students increased the quality of my instruction and learning activities. The best thing about participating in the Cohort was the availability of the Clemson Online employees — I would recommend this program to anyone looking to increase the quality of their course.” —Erin Hawkins
Please join Clemson Online in congratulating these dedicated instructors!
Are you interested in applying for next year’s Cohort? Be on the lookout for instructions and application materials this August! If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to our QM Coordinator Hansen Wetsel.
Upcoming Events
How to Deter Online Cheating Through Course Design
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 1:30-2:30pm
“How to Deter Online Cheating Through Course Design” will take place on June 25, from 1:30-2:30 pm! Join this training to learn more about deterring cheating through effective course design! This training will cover information about why students cheat and how to design assignments and courses in Canvas that increase motivation for online students. If you have a specific question you want covered during this training, please enter it when you register.
Facilitated by Millie Tullis, Digital Learning Strategist.
Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Workshop Wednesday: Increasing Engagement in Your Zoom Classroom
Thursday, July 9, 2025 1:30-2:30pm
Join us for “Workshop Wednesday: Increasing Engagement in Your Zoom Classroom” on July 9 from 1:30-2:30 pm! This workshop will cover strategies you can implement to make your Zoom classroom more engaging for learners through polls, whiteboards, breakout rooms, and more. If you have a specific question you want covered during this training, please enter it when you register.
Facilitated by ‘dara Abimbade, PhD, Digital Learning Strategist.
Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Clemson Online Summer 2025 Events Calendar
Review our Summer 2025 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.
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