Training DE Certification Options and Dates

The Online Education Committee has established 3 options for certification. The options are fully online facilitated courses; offered every semester; the online courses starts around the third week of the semester in Fall, and Spring, and during finals week for Summer. Flex Credit or compensation (if approved) is available.

Prior to teaching online instructors are required to meet teaching qualifications according to AP4105 and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (recommended to complete training two semesters prior to assignment).

Please complete and submit the appropriate form. Once received by the DE Standard Subcommittee, the form will be emailed to your chair, and they will forward to your dean. Once the training is completed, the DE Standards Subcommittee will sign the form and return it to you for your records and notify HR of your completion. Preregistration is required and fills quickly!! Email cwilshus@cuesta.edu with questions.

Teaching Online Certificate (TOC):

Description: Participation in TOC will explore guiding principle of course design and delivery that ensures an equitable and inclusive online learning environment to support the success of diverse students online.
- 6-week course - requires a 10-hour weekly commitment; Meets AP4105 # 4.
- Delivered asynchronously through Canvas with interactions with mentors and colleagues
- The course provides faculty with an in-depth approach to course design, explore online learning theory, online course design, create support for the success of diverse students, foster inclusion through student-centered activities and communications, apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concepts, identify the skills you will need to make your course both technically accessible and usable to a broad range of students.
- The hands-on activities will give you the chance to master using Canvas and develop your orientation module and one content module in a Canvas sandbox that may be transferred to a teaching course if desired.
- Participants will earn the Teaching Online Certificate (TOC) upon completion of course activities. The certificate will be valid for as long as you teach at Cuesta College.
Fall 2025 Sessions
- Session 1: September 1 to October 12 - Register
- Session 2: October 13 - November 23 -Register
Spring 2026 Sessions
- February 2 - March 15 - Register
- March 30 - May 10 - Register
Summer 2026 Sessions
- June 1 - July 12 - Register

OEI Academy - Cougar Capstone OEI Badge:

The OEI Academy is designed for faculty who have taught online for at least one semester, who are ready to transition their course from a basic to exemplary level. Participants will revise their existing course(s) based on equitable teaching practices in four areas of the CVC-OEI Rubric; (A) Content Presentation, (B) Interaction, (C) Assessment, (D) Accessibility.

Delivered asynchronously through Canvas with interaction among mentors and colleagues addressing the major factors that impact student success.
Based on the exemplary criteria from the CVC-OEI’s Course Design Rubric.
40-hour commitment over an agreed upon time period and requires presenting a fully aligned course for review by the CC-POCR.
Awarded a digital badge that will be visible on the CVC Course Exchange.

Academy Participate Information - Register

Email cwilshus@cuesta.edu for more information.

Equivalency / Self-Paced Teaching Online Certificate (SPTOC):

Description: Participation in SPTOC is for faculty have completed training or professional development on their own, taken workshops related to online teaching topics, or self-studied effective distance education delivery. SPTOC recognizes the effort of faculty who created asynchronous or synchronous online course and believe their course meets the Minimum DE course structure and content requirements.

Self Paced - Meets AP4105 # 3 and can be designated as temporary if requested.
Does not require enrollment in a facilitated course and is designed to be a self-paced. Must use the checklist to self-identify that their course meets the same standards as the Teaching Online Certificate (TOC).
Must complete the Online Education Legal Requirements module and quiz with a score of 100 %.
May access to mentors for questions and guidance.
Faculty should be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of DE definitions and regulations, ADA compliance, and effective student interaction.
Will be awarded either a Teaching Online Certificate (TOC) or an Emergency Certificate (SLEC) or (DLEC) depending on the review by the Instructional Designer or CC-POCR

Available every term

Complete the Checklist to Self Review prior to requesting approval (enter SPTOC for Start Date).