What is RSI?

RSI is a key requirement set by the U.S. Department of Education for all online courses eligible for federal financial aid. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) also uses RSI as a criterion for assessing online courses.

The goal of RSI is to ensure that online courses provide meaningful and consistent engagement between students and faculty, making the online learning experience more interactive and effective.

Why is RSI Important?

Federal Compliance: Meeting RSI standards is mandatory for federal financial aid eligibility.

Quality Assurance: RSI is central to how accrediting bodies like HLC evaluate your courses.

Student Success: Meaningful faculty-student interactions improve engagement, satisfaction, and learning outcomes.

Ways You Are Already Engaging in RSI:

Your syllabus contains your communication policy.

You have listed office hours for student-faculty engagement.

3 Easy Ways to Achieve RSI

Course Announcements (RSI Easy Add 1)

Frequency: Post weekly, consistently.

Content: Go beyond logistics - connect to current events, highlight insights from student discussions, and personalize messages.

Interactivity: Allow students to respond and comment on announcements to foster two-way communication.

Open Discussions and Forums (RSI Easy Add 2)

Spaces: Use platforms like “What About This,” “Discussion Hub,” or a “Student Lounge.”

Participation: Engage personally, share your experiences, and respond to several students in each discussion to promote robust dialogue.

Personalized Feedback Through Speedgrader (RSI Easy Add 3)

Tools: Use Speedgrader’s library to leave text, audio, or video feedback.

Tip: Personalize your comments to each student to make feedback authentic and impactful.

Meaningful Engagement: Your Action Steps

Initiate regular, personalized communication with students.

Take an active role in discussion forums.

Provide timely, individualized feedback using varied formats.

By integrating these practices, you not only comply with RSI standards but also create a vibrant and supportive online learning environment.

Understanding RSI Regular and Substantive Interaction in Onl.docx