The Art of Individually Relevant Engagement: Approaches to Meeting DOE Requirements for Regular and Substantive Interaction
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI), as defined by the U.S. Department of Education ([DOE], 2020), distinguishes distance education from correspondence-style learning and sets the standard for meaningful online teaching. Research shows that the quality of instructor-initiated, frequent, and academically substantive engagement is a key driver of student satisfaction, persistence, and sense of belonging (Archambault et al., 2022; Cole et al., 2021).
This session uses the University of Arizona Global Campus’s Standard Instructional Expectations (SIE) framework as a case study for operationalizing RSI through individually relevant interaction. Participants will explore strategies for embedding substantive engagement into announcements, discussions, assignments, and grading feedback—moves that align with evidence that dialogic feedback and instructor social presence enhance online learning (Whiteside et al., 2023).
The session will also address sustainability by demonstrating how emerging AI tools and LMS features can amplify instructor presence without replacing it. Practical examples will show how technology can support personalized announcements, discussion replies, and feedback templates while keeping instructors firmly in control of initiating and shaping interaction (Winstone & Boud, 2020; U.S. DOE Office of Educational Technology, 2023).
Attendees will be able to design actionable strategies for meeting compliance requirements, define approaches to improve student engagement, and document methods for creating transparent records, all while maintaining a human-centered approach to online teaching.
Yolanda Harper, University of Arizona Global Campus, US
Dr. Yolanda Harper’s roles at UAGC include Professor and Program Chair. She earned PhD and MA degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Univ of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a BA in Psychology from UCLA. Yolanda brings extensive experience in online and campus-based faculty and administrative roles across higher education and consulting. Areas of foci include career-relevant education, leadership coaching, inclusion, interpersonal communication, program evaluation, strategic planning and assessment, and holistic health & wellness/life management and resilience.
Jennifer Robinson, University of Arizona Global Campus, US
Jennifer Robinson is Program Chair for Information Literacy and an Associate Professor in the College of Integrated Learning. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with specializations in literacy and ESL, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and TESOL, and a B.S. in Psychology. Beginning her career as a social worker, she transitioned into teaching ESL and has taught K–12 and higher education internationally. Her research focuses on online learning, student success, and effective feedback.
Yvonne Lozano, University of Arizona Global Campus, US
Dr. Yvonne M. Lozano serves as Professor and Associate Dean in the Division of Health and Behavioral Professions at the University of Arizona Global Campus. She earned a Doctor of Applied Gerontology from the University of North Texas. Her career encompasses forensic mental health, psychiatric hospital leadership, and gerontology. Dr. Lozano possesses extensive expertise in curriculum development, accreditation standards, strategic planning, and faculty development. Her research primarily addresses older women, caregivers, and family dysfunction.
Deborah Carpenter, University of Arizona Global Campus, US
Dr. Deborah Carpenter is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC). She earned a Ph.D. in Education from UAGC, a Master of Arts from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from UC Riverside. Dr. Carpenter teaches undergraduate and doctoral students. Her research interests include mentoring and strategies that promote ownership of improvement. Dr. Carpenter consults with colleagues in the review and mentoring of associate faculty.
Cara Metz, University of Arizona Global Campus, US
Dr. Cara Metz is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Human and Behavioral Performance Professions at the University of Arizona Global Campus. She earned her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Metz started her career as a licensed professional counselor before moving into teaching full time, having taught counseling, psychology, human services, and research. Her research interests include person-centered teaching, online education, and wellness.
Susan Gould, University of Arizona Global Campus, US
Susan Gould is an assistant professor at UAGC and Department Head for Financial Operations Professions. Susan worked for 20 years in corporate financial services, providing fairness opinions and business valuations for privately held companies. Susan Gould earned a BA in Political Science from Northwestern University and a MM degree in finance and managerial economics from Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Susan holds the CFA designation from the CFA Institute.
