Course Planning & Design
Daemen University is a subscribing member of Quality Matters (QM) — a nationally recognized, research-based framework for improving the design of online and blended courses. If you’ve heard of QM but aren’t sure what a review actually involves, here’s what to expect. The process is designed to be collegial and collaborative — not a judgment of your teaching, but a structured pathway to course improvement that benefits both you and your students.
What Happens, Step by Step
Once your course is entered into the QM system, you’ll complete a Course Worksheet that captures key information about your course design. You can begin drafting your responses — especially the longer written ones — before you have system access, then copy and paste them in when you’re ready.
A dedicated committee is assembled for your course. It includes a Master Reviewer (Team Chair), a Subject Matter Expert, and a Peer Reviewer external to Daemen — bringing both disciplinary knowledge and course design expertise to the table.
The committee holds a brief kickoff meeting to align on expectations and establish the review timeline before independent review begins.
Each committee member independently reviews your entire course using the QM Rubric. This stage takes approximately three weeks.
The team meets to discuss findings and collectively determine whether the course meets QM Standards. The conversation is focused on improvement — reviewers provide specific guidance, not grades.
The lead reviewer meets with you directly to walk through findings and share specific, actionable suggestions for strengthening your course.
If the course doesn’t yet meet standards, you’ll make the recommended revisions. The lead reviewer then verifies the amendments.
What Does “Meeting Standards” Mean?
To receive QM certification, two things must be true:
- All Essential Standards (the 3-point criteria) must be met.
- Your course must score at least 85% of total possible points.
Ready to Get Started?
To add your course to the QM review queue, contact:
For general questions about the process, reach out to the Instructional Design team at id@daemen.edu or schedule a consultation.
Resources
- Daemen QM Resources & GS Checklists Self-evaluate your course before the formal review begins
- QM.org Full rubric standards and professional development