Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) Policy

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Purpose

To ensure all SIU online and hybrid courses include regular, predictable, and instructor-initiated academic interactions that satisfy U.S. Department of Education expectations for distance education and related guidance.

Definition

RSI is instructor-initiated, academic engagement that occurs on a regular and predictable basis and is substantive (i.e., beyond passive presence). RSI must be tied to course outcomes and include feedback, direction, or instruction.

Minimum Requirements

Frequency & Predictability: In every week with instructional activity, the instructor provides at least one clearly identifiable RSI event or sequence (e.g., announcement + discussion replies + targeted feedback) scheduled in the syllabus or weekly module.

Initiation: Interactions are initiated by the instructor; student-initiated messages alone do not satisfy RSI.

Substantive: Interactions advance learning via direct instruction, assessment/feedback, responding to course-related questions, proactive monitoring with outreach, or tutoring/office hours with documented academic engagement.

Documentation: RSI plans are described in the syllabus or weekly overview; evidence is retained in the LMS (announcements, discussion replies, feedback artifacts, recordings/transcripts, messages).

Examples that Meet RSI

  • Direct instruction with follow-up Q&A, discussion or other appropriate interaction (e.g., weekly instructor video or mini-lecture with follow-up Q&A/discussion).
  • Substantive facilitation of discussions (probing questions, guided analysis, instructor replies that extend thinking).
  • Individualized, timely feedback on assignments or assessments; iterative coaching on drafts or projects. CTE recommends feedback within three business days of submission.
  • Regular Q&A or help sessions (synchronous or asynchronous) in which the instructor provides academic guidance and posts a summary/recording for all students.
  • Proactive monitoring of student progress with outreach and academic support to individuals or groups.

Non-Examples (do NOT satisfy RSI by themselves)

  • Pre-recorded lectures with no instructor follow-up or engagement in the current term.
  • Automated announcements or messages without instructor presence or feedback.
  • Only responding to student-initiated emails; office hours listed but unused or undocumented.
  • Posting grades without personalized, instructional feedback.
  • Unguided peer-to-peer discussion with no instructor facilitation or feedback.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Instructors: Plan and deliver RSI each instructional week; communicate the plan in the syllabus/module; provide and retain evidence in the LMS.
  • School Directors: Verify syllabi include RSI plans; include RSI in peer/self-reviews and annual evaluations; ensure new-to-online faculty are supported.
  • CTE & SIU Online/Extended Campus: Provide training and exemplars; recommend annual focus areas; assist with documentation and audits; support improvement plans.
  • Office of the Provost: Receive summary reports and support enforcement where needed.

Review Cycle

This policy should be reviewed annually by the SIU Online & Extended Campus to ensure continued compliance with federal regulations and institutional goals.