Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)

PDF version of this document.

Applies to all courses taught online or hybrid.

The technologies that may be used to offer distance education either synchronously or asynchronously include the internet, audio conferencing; one-way and two-way transmissions through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, wireless communications devices, and other media used in conjunction with any of the above.

Instructors must provide substantive and regular interaction.

The instructor is an individual responsible for delivering course content and who meets the qualifications for instructions established by an institution’s accrediting agency.

Substantive interaction is engaging students in teaching, learning, and assessment, consistent with the content under discussion, and also includes at least two of the following:

• Providing direct instruction;
• Assessing or providing feedback on a student’s coursework;
• Providing information or responding to questions about the content of a course or competency;
• Facilitating a group discussion regarding the content of a course or competency; or,
• Other instructional activities approved by the institution’s or program’s accrediting agency.

Regular interaction between a student and an instructor is ensured by:

• Providing the opportunity for substantive interactions with the student on a predictable and scheduled basis commensurate with the length of time and the amount of content in the course or competency; and
• Monitoring the student’s academic engagement and success and ensuring that an instructor is responsible for promptly and proactively engaging in substantive interaction with the student when needed, on the basis of such monitoring, or upon request by the student.

Assurance

Per Section III.A.14 of the JMU 2026-2027 Faculty Handbook, instructors of online and hybrid courses are required to comply with this regulation.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Cheverton
State Authorization & Compliance Officer for Online and Distance Learning
cheverse@jmu.edu
568.5321

[1] Primary Source: 34 CFR 600.2, Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education

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V2 August 2026