selection of learning resources, the production of instructional content, and the development of course assignments and assessments. Sometimes, this also includes completing the instructional design of the course in the LMS. Whenever KYSU Online contracts outside course development services to reduce the development load on faculty, SMEs will not be required to design the course in the Learning Management Systems. However, the SMEs will work closely with contracted Instructional Designers during the course development process on matters requiring academic expertise and faculty involvement.

The second form of a SME’s relationship to an online course follows the conclusion of the development process. Once course development is completed, the initial SME or newly designated SME manages the content in the primary course shell thereafter,13 collaborating with faculty, Faculty Mentors, and the Office of Online Education on course edits, revisions, and redevelopments. SMEs report to the Office of Online Education concerning the online course(s).

Commented [JM20]: Continue working on this paragraph to distinguish the initial SME from the SME that continues ongoing management of the course shell. Also, clarify the collaborative work of the SME with faculty in programs of various modalities.

Commented [JM21]: Retention and general administrative input. Non-discipline specific input.

In addition to contributing to the development and maintenance of online courses, SMEs often teach in the online sections of those courses once the course launches, working separately as the online faculty in assigned sections. Instructional course load is separate from SME involvement in course development, so the Office of Online Education does not require that initial SMEs accept course load as online faculty after course development is complete.

See Section 3.1 – Subject Matter Expert (SME) Model for Online Courses. See also the document, KYSU Online SME Model for Online Courses, and the document, KYSU Online Course Content Management Procedures.

Commented [JM22]: Note that KYSU has an instructional designed in the ag. Some Chairs also serve as course designers. Include reference in section.

The Office of Online Education often utilizes Instructional Designers (IDs) alongside SMEs in the process of developing online courses. This can include IDs within the Office of Online Education or embedded IDs whose roles have been tied to specific departments and programs. Additionally, KYSU Online contracts IDs to support the ambitious course development plan needed to launch online programs according to schedule in conjunction with student recruiting initiatives.

Instructional Designers work with SMEs to design and develop effective online courses. SMEs provide each course's academic expertise and instructional content, while the IDs build the primary course shell in the Learning Management System and optimize the content for the student experience. This helps showcase the SMEs' academic expertise without requiring them to become experts in instructional design and LMS functionality.

KYSU Online offers courses in the asynchronous online modality. As asynchronous, the courses do not require students to remotely participate in learning activities at specified times. This accommodates the needs of online students and their general preference for flexibility. Asynchronous requirements further support the ability of students in various time zones to engage academically with the course material. Exceptions to the asynchronous requirements of courses must be formally requested from the Office of Online Education at the outset of the course development process. The Office of Online Education will review the request and consult Commented [JM20]: Continue working on this paragraph to distinguish the initial SME from the SME that continues ongoing management of the course shell. Also, clarify the collaborative work of the SME with faculty in programs of various modalities.