South Suburban College’s ART 101 Drawing I Course Earns National Quality Matters Certification
South Holland, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) proudly announces its nationally certified Quality Matters (QM) course certification, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to delivering high-quality online learning experiences. Quality Matters certification was recently awarded to the online course ART 101 – Drawing I, marking a significant milestone in SSC’s commitment to excellence in online education. The course, led by Professor Todd Reed, underwent a meticulous preparation process in collaboration with SSC’s Center for Teaching and Learning for the Quality Matters review.
“It is my sincere hope that this online course will open doors and present opportunities to learners within our local community and beyond. This QM certified Drawing course delivers all of the classic elements and rigor of a foundational studio course in a format that is accessible to all learning styles,” said Professor Todd Reed.
The Quality Matters review, conducted by national QM-Certified Reviewers, validates the course’s quality and learner-focused design, utilizing the Quality Matters Rubric and associated Standards based on research and best practices. This certification places the course alongside other major universities and colleges on the QM directory of nationally certified courses. QM certified courses can proudly display the QM Certification Mark within the course syllabus, within the course in the learning management system, and on the college’s website and catalog system, each symbolizing a commitment to the highest standards in online education.
Dr. Tasha Williams, Vice President of Academic Services, remarked, “This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff to innovation and excellence in teaching. By ensuring our online courses meet national standards for quality, we are providing students with a meaningful, engaging, and equitable learning experience that supports their success.”
In addition to obtaining the QM certification milestone, the course also became the first online drawing course in the nation to meet QM certification, used all Open Education Resources produced by Professor Reed, including weekly detailed videos, and met the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) standards by providing diverse historical and contemporary assignments, along with online group and individual critiques of weekly online drawings each student will produced throughout the course.
Dr. Lynette Stokes, President of SSC, expressed her satisfaction with the accomplishment, “South Suburban College continues to raise the bar when it comes to academic innovation and access. Achieving this Quality Matters course certification demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence and student-centered learning. We are proud to be a leader among community colleges in advancing high-quality online education.”
The recent QM certification of ART 101 Drawing I, further demonstrates South Suburban College’s dedication to continuous improvement, building on the October 2023 QM certification of LAW 101 Fundamentals of Paralegalism. Additionally, more QM certification courses are already in development to continue advancing the college’s commitment to quality learning.
PHOTO: South Suburban College Main Campus in South Holland, IL.
About South Suburban College
Founded in 1927, South Suburban College is a comprehensive public community college located in South Holland, Illinois. SSC is committed to lifelong learning and community development through affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. With a diverse student body and a wide range of academic and career programs, the College continues to foster innovation, equity, and excellence in higher education.