Quality Matters®

What is Quality Matters?

Quality Matters (QM) is a nationally recognized, faculty-centered, peer review process designed to certify the design quality of online courses and online components. QM provides on-site, online, and web-based professional development opportunities. Additionally, QM provides an online rubric that outlines principles of effective design for teaching classes online. The rubric contains 8 general and 43 specific standards that cover issues such as course structure, management, and instructional design. Find out more about Quality Matters.

Who do I contact for more information about Quality Matters?

IT Solutions collaborates with a number of institutional partners to provide support services for Quality Matters. Quality Matters Institutional Representative, Michael Manderfeld, and faculty liaison, Dr. Emily Stark, Ph.D. are happy to meet with you to discuss QM and how it might benefit your own online course.

What types of Quality Matters Professional Development opportunities are available?

The Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR) workshop is QM’s flagship training. It provides an in-depth exploration of the QM Rubric and its use in evaluating online courses. Minnesota State has historically subsidized the costs for individuals at institutions to participate in online and in-person workshops licensed by QM including the Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR).

To register for the APPQMR please see Quality Matters Registration Site. 

How do I get a course reviewed?

QM recommends that courses undergo review only after they have been taught at least once, if not twice, by the instructor. Follow the steps of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Institutional Process document to ensure that the review process goes smoothly. If you have any questions while working through this process, do not hesitate to contact the Quality Matters Institutional Representative, Michael Manderfeld, or Emily Stark, the QM faculty liaison for Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Dr. Emily Stark discusses her experience with QM course review

Where can I review the Quality Matters standards and recommendations?

If you would like to review the QM standards and learn how you might apply one or more of them in your own course, please see our list of recommendations.