Klebaur’s Abnormal Psychology course received the consortium’s highest level of course endorsement following an extensive review based on global standards and research-informed best practices in online education.
The recognition is especially significant because it is the first Catawba course submitted to the Online Learning Consortium for external review. The endorsement reflects several months of intentional course development and preparation by Klebaur in partnership with Melissa Butler, director of instructional design.
The Online Learning Consortium evaluated the course using 35 research-informed indicators addressing essential and advanced elements of online course design. The review considered areas such as learning objectives, assessments, instructional materials, student engagement, accessibility, technology, and course presentation.
The resulting score report included more than 30 pages of detailed feedback. Reviewers identified the course’s formative assessment design, the careful progression of major assignments, structured reflection activities that help students evaluate their own learning, and professional presentation quality as particular strengths.
“The concept of quality in online education can be elusive and complex,” said Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., CEO of the Online Learning Consortium. “The OLC Quality Scorecard enables institutions to measure and validate the effectiveness of their online education programs. We are delighted to recognize Catawba College for achieving the highest level of endorsement.”
The Exemplary Course Endorsement is a formal recognition awarded to courses that demonstrate alignment with current research and established best practices in digital education. The endorsement helps institutions demonstrate the quality of their online learning experiences to students, faculty, accrediting organizations, and other stakeholders.
Catawba’s Instructional Design team conducts an internal quality review of every online course offered by the College. The Online Learning Consortium endorsement provides independent recognition of that work and establishes an important benchmark as Catawba continues to strengthen and expand its online offerings.
The endorsement also reflects Catawba’s commitment to providing adaptable educational pathways that maintain strong academic standards while meeting the needs of today’s learners. Through thoughtful course design, faculty collaboration, and individualized student support, Catawba Online equips students to pursue their goals and see multiple pathways forward.
