The Dominica State College (DSC), in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC), embarked on a project aimed at creating policies to guide the development, delivery, and quality assurance of online classes. The initiative is set to result in the creation of at least 15 online courses at the end of this project.

The first phase of the project, focusing on policy development, commenced this semester, while the second phase, involving course development and review, has been scheduled for the following semester. From October 14 to 16, 2024, fourteen DSC staff members—including Deans, Faculty, and Administrators—participated in a policy workshop facilitated by Dr. Ruby Alleyne, a consultant identified by COL.

At the conclusion of phase one, the college anticipated having a comprehensive policy developed, reviewed by stakeholders, and ready for implementation.

With a mission to enhance institutional effectiveness across small states of the Commonwealth, COL-VUSSC engaged staff at tertiary level institutions in professional learning initiatives aimed at building capacity in online and blended program design, delivery, assessment, learner support, and quality assurance.

A draft policy is now in place and the college is looking forward to engage stakeholders to receive feedback on the policy to ensure its effectiveness.  Stakeholders will include private and public sector partners.

Based on stakeholder feedback, revision will be done allowing the policy to be sent to the next steps of approval and implementation.

This collaborative project was of high relevance and priority due to the calls by so many who are considering enrolling at the college, but require more online options.