Federal Regulation

Definition of Distance Education – Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)

Description

Federal regulations define Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) in distance education as predictable, scheduled interactions between instructors and students, including instruction, feedback, content-related responses, discussion facilitation, or other accreditor-approved activities.

Action to be Taken

Establish policies and procedures for regular and substantive interaction (RSI), such as syllabus guidelines and faculty expectations.
Implement internal controls to monitor and verify compliance, using LMS data, course reviews, and protocols for addressing noncompliance.
Engage and train faculty to ensure they understand and apply RSI requirements, incorporating this into professional development.

Effective Date

July 1, 2021

Resources

34 CFR 600.2- Definitions Distance Education
Regular and Substantive Interaction Refresh: Reviewing & Sharing Our Best Interpretation of Current Guidance and Requirements; WCET Frontiers
Regular and Substantive Interaction Update: Where Do We Go from Here?; WCET Frontiers
Where’s the Beef? Having Fun Teaching and Ensuring Regular and Substantive Interaction; WCET Frontiers
Regular and Substantive Interaction: Resources to Support Learning, Neuroplasticity, and Regulations; WCET Frontiers
Policy Brief – Regular and Substantive Interaction (2023)
- Requires SAN Member Login or
- WCET Member Login

Regulation progress: Step 8 of 8

Step 1 Notice of Intent to Establish a Rulemaking with Public Comment Period.
Step 2. Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Nominations and Schedule of Committee Meetings with Public Nominations.
Step 3. Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Meetings
Step 4 Office of Management & Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Review of Proposed Regulations
Step 5 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Public Comment Period (release of proposed regulations)
Step 6 Office of Management & Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Review of Final Regulations
Step 7 Release of Final Regulations
Step 8 Effective Date