Submitted by Cheryl Dowd on
Federal Regulation

Definition- Distance Education Course

Description 

In January 2025, following the 2024 negotiated rulemaking, the U.S. Department of Education issued a final regulation that defines what qualifies as a Distance Education Course for Title IV purposes. The regulation clarifies the limited types of in-person activities that may occur without changing a course’s classification as distance education. In regulation, the limited in-person activities include  in-person non-instructional requirements, including orientation, testing, and academic support services. 

Action to be taken

  • Review Regulation – Understand the finalized definition of a Distance Education Course and acceptable in-person activities for Title IV purposes.
  • Assess Course Design – Identify any in-person activities and ensure they do not constitute direct instruction that would change the course classification.
  • Update Policies – Revise institutional policies and course catalogs to align with the new definition.
  • Train Staff – Educate faculty, registrars, and compliance personnel on how to apply the definition.

Effective Date

  • July 1, 2026

Resources

Regulation progress: Step 7 of 8

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