The role of the Distance Learning Council (DLC) is to provide a review and approval mechanism for both existing and proposed online/distance programs. Like the Undergraduate Council and the Graduate Council, the DLC serves as a means for review and approval of new certificate and degree programs, but confining its scrutiny to the aspects of the program that involve online/distance learning. Any program that provides an opportunity to earn 50% or more of the degree online must be reviewed by the DLC.

The focus of the council is on those aspects of any degree proposal related to online/distance education, including delivery methods, faculty and student support, assessment, technology resources, financial arrangements, and other matters as relevant. The DLC also periodically reviews all existing programs to make sure they are compliant with the standards being used to examine new programs. In addition, the DLC will oversee a registry of all distance learning degree and certificate programs being offered across the entire campus.

Questions about the DLC

Contact David Thomas (david.thomas177@du.edu)

Distance Learning Council Report - 2019.pdf

DU Distance Degree Programs (PDF)

List of University of Denver Distance/Online and Blended programs for the 2017-2018 Academic Year.

About Us – DLC Membership, Background Information, and Bylaws

Forms/Procedures – DLC Program Review Criteria and Procedures, Additional Forms

Annual Report – 2016 DLC Report and Survey Summary

Support -  DU's Online Learning Training & Support Services

Resources - Online Education Organizations & Online Education News

Distance/online education is a method of teaching where the student and instructor are separated by time or space, or both. 

For the purposes of the Distance Learning Council, distance learning is further defined as a formal educational process that meets any of the following criteria: 

1. Degree programs through which a student can earn the entire degree at a distance. These are of greatest concern and have accreditation implications for the university’s agreement with the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Any degree program through which a student can earn 50% or more of the degree through distance/online courses.

3. Any academic certificate that is not part of an existing pre-approved distance/online degree program where a student can earn 50% or more of the certificate through distance/online courses.

(Note that "distance" also includes off-site programs that meet the above three criteria.)

Any academic program that meets any of these criteria must consult with the DLC when proposing their new programs to Graduate or Undergraduate Councils. Please refer to the Forms/Procedures page for complete information about the proposal process.

* HLC defines distance education as education that uses one or more of the listed technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor, either synchronously or asynchronously. The technologies may include the following: the internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless communications devices; audio conferencing; video cassettes, DVDs and CD-ROMs, if the cassettes, DVDs or CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with any of the other technologies listed.