Keep the Badge: Transitioning to QR Badge 2.0
Many courses have already earned a Quality Reviewed (QR) badge through alignment with the current CVC Course Design Rubric.
As colleges transition to the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric, a new QR Badge 2.0 will be introduced to recognize courses that have been reviewed and aligned using the updated rubric.
This page provides an overview of the badge transition timeline and what faculty, reviewers, and institutions can expect during the implementation period.
The goal is to support a smooth transition while recognizing the significant work faculty have already invested in creating quality online courses.
Transitioning from the Original QR Badge to QR Badge 2.0
Summer 2026
The 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric is officially released for soft adoption.
Companion resources, training opportunities, and implementation support materials become available.
Fall 2026 – Spring 2027
Transition period begins.
During this period:
- Colleges may continue awarding the original QR badge to courses reviewed using the current rubric.
- Colleges may begin planning local transition strategies.
- Faculty may begin updating courses to align with the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric.
- Colleges may determine local processes for transitioning previously badged courses.
November 1, 2026
QR Badge 2.0 becomes available within the CVC system.
Colleges may begin awarding QR Badge 2.0 to courses reviewed and aligned with the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric.
Colleges may submit courses for QR Badge 2.0 before November 1, 2026; however, the new badge will not display until technical implementation is complete.
Fall 2027
Full adoption of the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric.
Colleges transitioning to the updated rubric should use the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric for future reviews and badge awards.
Fall 2030
The original QR badge is retired.
Courses published with the original QR badge will no longer display a badge.
Only courses aligned with the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric and awarded QR Badge 2.0 will continue to display a QR badge.
Key Takeaway
The transition period provides colleges with several years to develop local processes and support faculty in moving from the original QR badge to QR Badge 2.0.
"Keep the Badge" refers to the process colleges use to help previously badged courses transition from the original QR badge to QR Badge 2.0.
The goal is not to start over.
Faculty with currently badged courses have already completed significant work to align their courses with quality course design standards. The transition process is intended to build upon that work while helping courses align with the new rubric.
Key Takeaway
Faculty with currently badged courses are building on an existing foundation rather than beginning a completely new review process.
There is no statewide "Keep the Badge" process.
Each college will determine how previously badged courses transition to QR Badge 2.0.
Examples may include:
- Full course reviews
- Focused reviews of new rubric elements
- Streamlined update processes
- Local transition pathways
- Review cycles tied to existing institutional processes
Institutions should determine which approach best supports their local goals, resources, and review processes.
Key Takeaway
The transition process will vary from college to college.
Although local processes may differ, faculty should expect to review areas that were introduced or expanded within the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric.
Examples may include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Privacy & Security
- Accessibility changes
- Equity & Inclusion
- Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) enhancements
- Assessment enhancements
- Student-centered design practices
The extent of updates required will depend on the current course design and the local review process established by the institution.
Key Takeaway
Most currently badged courses already align with many rubric expectations and may require targeted updates rather than extensive redesign.
Regardless of the process used by an institution, the expectation remains the same:
Courses earning a QR badge should:
- Align with the applicable rubric
- Meet accessibility requirements
- Support high-quality online teaching and learning
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement
Key Takeaway
The badge may change, but the commitment to quality course design remains the same.
A variety of resources and professional development opportunities are being developed to support the transition to QR Badge 2.0.
These resources include:
Keep the Badge Webinars
Sessions designed to help faculty understand the transition process and identify areas that may need updating.
POCR Lead Support Sessions
Implementation-focused sessions that help colleges develop local transition processes and support faculty throughout the transition period.
Rubric Crosswalk
A comparison of the current rubric and the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric to help identify changes and new areas of emphasis.
Companion Site Resources
Dedicated pages and implementation guidance related to accessibility, AI, Privacy & Security, Equity & Inclusion, and other rubric updates.
Section 0: A Guided Pathway Through Course Design
An optional adoptable course that helps faculty prepare courses through backward design, course clean-up, and accessibility planning and remediation.
Key Takeaway
Multiple resources will be available to support colleges and faculty throughout the transition process.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The original QR badge will continue to be recognized throughout the transition period.
That depends on your institution's local process. Colleges will determine how previously badged courses transition to QR Badge 2.0.
No. Institutions will determine local implementation strategies based on their own needs and resources.
QR Badge 2.0 recognizes courses that have been reviewed and aligned with the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric.
Colleges may begin awarding QR Badge 2.0 on November 1, 2026.
The original QR badge is scheduled to retire in Fall 2030.
Yes. Courses awarded a QR badge should meet accessibility requirements and align with the applicable rubric.
Building on Existing Success
The transition to QR Badge 2.0 recognizes the work faculty have already invested in quality course design while providing a pathway for aligning courses with the 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric. Through local implementation strategies, professional development, and companion resources, colleges can support a smooth and successful transition to the next generation of quality course review.
