Campus unit responsibilities described below pertain to UMD MOOCs.
Responsible for overall course development with input from EXST consultations and the MOOC provider. Interfaces via EXST with the platform for any issues that arise.
Develop and deliver all instructional content using good pedagogy.
Follow all platform requirements, university policies and guidelines, and laws regarding IP and related issues.
Upload all course elements to the platform, including but not limited to the course lectures, readings, assignments, assessments, landing page course copy describing the offering (including professor bio(s)), citations, announcements, and other key elements (such as the copy and signature file of the professor for the course certificate, etc.).
Pay invoices from the vendors used in course development (such as the campus videographer), typically using the Provost MOOC Program Fund.
For edX courses, provide closed captioning files per the platform’s request (Coursera’s closed captioning files are automatically generated).
Manage all curriculum content, including updates/changes to content or logistics with the assistance of EXST.
Interface through EXST with the platform for any issues that arise.
Identify and hire all instructors, TAs, and staff.
Ensure all instructors, GAs, TAs, etc., understand requirements for syllabi, textbooks, supplies, class lists, and grades and submission deadlines.
Monitor the course, including discussion board threads, throughout the course’s run and more frequently for the first months directly following the launch to identify any issues that need to be addressed, and communicates those to EXST.
UMD MOOCs are marketed primarily by the platform on which they are offered. Communication with learners is available through the platform, however only very limited messaging is permitted (units cannot advertise other offerings unrelated to the MOOC topic).
Campus units may market their specific MOOC and are responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of individual program marketing effort.
Programs may access the EXST marketing agency contract directly via Procurement and Business Services to request marketing directly from this approved vendor. Coordination with the agency and Procurement and Business Services, and all program-specific marketing costs are the responsibility of the academic unit.
MOOC platforms provide resident AI expertise within their course-taking environments to help respond to questions.
Campus units are responsible for monitoring all other requests.
Responsible for oversight of awarded Provost MOOC Program Fund grants in a manner consistent with the program guidelines and university policies. The funds may not be used to reduce credit-bearing teaching.
Responsible for instructional costs.
Other staffing costs (salaries and benefits) are the academic unit’s responsibility should be reimbursed via net revenue distribution.
Program costs (course-related expenses, offices, telecommunications, goods, and/or services [travel, marketing, rentals, etc.]) are the academic unit’s responsibility and should be reimbursed via net revenue distribution.
Develop and honor any third-party revenue sharing agreements.
Responsible for oversight and disbursement of quarterly net revenue distribution consistent with the program guidelines and university policies.
For program assistance, contact Bill Aarhus, Assistant Director, Strategic Initiatives for Continuing Education, at 5-3134 or aarhus@umd.edu.
For financial assistance, contact Verenice Ciciliano, Assistant Director, Finance and Administration, at 5-9944 or vcicilia@umd.edu.
Campus units can send general questions to moocs@umd.edu.