POLICY
Online Teaching Implementation Policies & Procedures
The Center for Teaching and Learning, the Office of Educational Technology, and the Office of Academic Affairs at Hostos Community College provide a range of professional development opportunities for faculty members to continue improving their teaching practices. In alignment with the CUNY Performance Management Process’s (PMP) Goal 1 on expanding online education, the college has established micro-credential professional development opportunities to assist faculty in integrating and aligning pedagogical and technological approaches in their teaching. These training programs are available through the Hostos Teaching Institute, which awards targeted credentials confirming the acquisition of appropriate skills and competence in line with institutional goals using the Hostos Innovator Chase, a digital badge system
Protocol for Online Teaching at Hostos Community College
Submit a proposal to their department chair outlining a plan for delivering the course online, including how the instructor will address any unique challenges or considerations for online instruction.
The department chair determines whether the course can be delivered online.
Before approving the course, the department chair checks with the Office of Educational Technology (EdTech) to determine if the faculty member is certified to teach online and that the course has not already been developed.
- Faculty members who are certified to teach online are advised to schedule a consultation with an instructional designer to ensure that the course meets the requirements of the Hostos Online Course Development Guidelines.
- For faculty members who are not certified to teach online, the college will provide professional development opportunities, such as the Compass of Online Teaching Excellence (COTE) guidelines, the ACUE Effective Online Teaching Practices Program, and a microlearning repository of flexible, on-demand short, targeted learning units to help faculty implement online teaching policies and best practices with clarity and confidence.
- The department chair may recommend that faculty members who already hold certification but received it four or more years ago schedule a meeting with an instructional designer.
The department chair will inform the Office of Academic Affairs of the approved online course and coordinate with the Office of Registrar to ensure the course is accurately listed in the College’s schedule of classes.
The Office of Educational Technology offers faculty members who teach online continuous assistance and professional development options, such as frequent workshops or peer-review and feedback opportunities. Faculty and department chairs are encouraged to offer feedback on the protocol and its implementation to help improve it in the future.
The diagram that follows provides a visual breakdown of the procedure:
* At the discretion of the department Chair.
Hostos Online Course Development Guidelines
Hostos Teaching Institute
The Hostos Teaching Institute (HTI) is a professional development program developed by the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Office of Academic Affairs to promote continuous improvement and the advancement of faculty pedagogical approaches in order to foster teaching excellence and innovation.
Microlearning Programs for Policy-Aligned Practice
These short, targeted learning units are designed to help faculty implement online teaching policies and best practices with clarity and confidence. Aligned with the COTE Framework, microlearning programs offer flexible, on-demand support for key topics such as RSI, accessibility, ethical AI use, and assessment strategies. While they are not part of the formal certification process, they directly contribute to high-quality course design and instructional effectiveness.
EdTech Innovation Chase
The EdTech Innovation Chase uses an innovative digital badge system to facilitate micro-credential professional development, ensuring that faculty members acquire and demonstrate the specific skills and experience required to meet the institutional goals. These focused credentials serve as tangible proof of their expertise in relevant areas. Through the HTI, an array of micro-credential courses is offered, allowing certification in online teaching, online teaching pedagogy, multimodal teaching, and an expanding range of subjects planned for the future.
CERTIFICATION TRACKS
Online Teaching Certification
-Completed over a semester-
Compass of Teaching Excellence (COTE)

- Certification foundation (self-paced, ~4–6 hrs)
- Student-centered course design
- 4 core areas: Structure, Tech, Engagement, Community
- Enriched by UDL, Accessibility, Evaluation, Resources
- Research-based, practical guidance
- 4–6 hours, depending on prior experience and course readiness.
Mapping Multimodal Terrains

COMING SOON!
- Prepares faculty to design a course that is flexible and takes advantage of multiple modalities
- Online Mix modality
- 20 hrs. over 12 weeks.
ACUE Effective Online Teaching Practices (EOTP) Certification
-Completed over a year-
This 25-module course in effective online teaching practices concentrates on teaching practices effective for online instruction. Based on the same evidence-based pedagogy as ACUE’s course in effective teaching practices, Effective Online Teaching Practices was designed in collaboration with online teaching and learning experts to empower faculty to be impactful online instructors and ensure student success today and in the future.
Comprehensive in scope, the course’s content and facilitation focus on proven online teaching approaches across all the core competencies in ACUE’s Effective Practice Framework. Faculty earn a Certificate in Effective College Instruction.
Designed by: Association of College and University Educators (ACUE)
Time: 25 modules over a year.

Designing an Effective Course
- 5 Weeks

Establishing a Productive Learning Environment
- 5 Weeks

Using Active Learning Strategies
- 5 Weeks

Promoting Higher Order Thinking
- 5 Weeks

Assessing to Inform Instruction and Promote Learning
- 5 Weeks