What's included in Domain 1?

Domain 1 is focuses on how effectively the course introduces students to the learning environment, provides essential course information, and communicates expectations for engagement and communication. The elements included in this domain establish a welcoming, organized, and student-centered learning experience from the start of the course.

Essential Standards

  • Standard 1.1: Course includes a welcome message and getting started content (course orientation video, course overview page, detailed welcome announcement, etc.).
  • Standard 1.2: Course provides a syllabus that adheres to the UIS syllabus template and includes sections such as: learning objectives that are specific, measurable, and clearly defined; course information; campus policies; learner support resources; course modality; technology requirements; instructor contact information; grading policies; and printable formatting.
  • Standard 1.3: Course interaction expectations have been communicated to students in a way that is easy to find. This could be met through the Course Communication section of the syllabus.

Important Standards

  • Standard 1.4: Course contains module-level overviews to provide predictable course navigation. You may wish to include course content, activities, assessments, and due dates.
  • Standard 1.5: Course includes explicit guidelines for generative AI and/or agentic AI.