Section 0: A Guided Pathway Through Course Design
The 2027 CVC Course Design Rubric introduces an optional companion resource designed to help faculty prepare courses before a formal review.
Known as Section 0: A Guided Pathway Through Course Design, this resource provides a structured process that supports course development, course improvement, and review readiness.
Section 0 is not part of the rubric review process and is not scored during review. Instead, it serves as a preparatory resource that colleges may choose to adopt and implement locally.
The goal is to help faculty identify and address common course design challenges before entering a formal review process.
Prepare Before You Review
Section 0 is an optional companion resource that supports faculty in preparing courses for review.
Unlike the rubric itself, Section 0 is designed as a guided process that helps faculty evaluate and improve key areas of course design before participating in a formal review.
The resource provides a practical pathway that can be used during:
- New course development
- Course revisions
- DE Refresh processes
- POCR preparation
- Local quality review initiatives
Key Takeaway
Section 0 helps faculty prepare for review; it is not part of the review itself.
Step 1: Backward Design
Faculty review and strengthen the instructional design foundation of the course by aligning:
- Course outcomes
- Objectives
- Learning activities
- Assessments
This step focuses on intentional course design and alignment.
Step 2: Course Clean-Up
Faculty review:
- Course organization
- Navigation
- Consistency
- Usability
This step helps create a more intuitive and student-friendly learning experience.
Step 3: Accessibility Plan & Remediation
Faculty identify and address accessibility barriers through a structured improvement process.
Activities may include:
- Reviewing course materials
- Using accessibility tools
- Developing a remediation plan
- Addressing accessibility concerns before review
Key Takeaway
Together, these three steps help faculty build stronger, more review-ready courses.
Colleges have flexibility in how they use Section 0.
Potential uses include:
- New faculty preparation
- Local POCR preparation
- DE Refresh support
- Course redesign initiatives
- Professional development programs
- Self-paced faculty support
Institutions may choose to incorporate all or part of the resource into existing local processes.
Key Takeaway
Section 0 is designed to be flexible and adaptable to local needs.
Section 0 will be available as an adoptable course that colleges may choose to import into their local learning management systems.
This allows institutions to:
- Customize the resource
- Integrate local processes
- Add institution-specific guidance
- Support local professional development efforts
Adoption of Section 0 is optional.
Colleges may use the resource as designed, modify it to meet local needs, or choose not to implement it.
Key Takeaway
Section 0 is a resource available to colleges, not a requirement of the rubric.
In addition to the adoptable course, CVC@ONE will offer Section 0 as a facilitated course beginning in Fall 2026.
The facilitated offering will provide faculty with guided support as they work through the three-step pathway and prepare courses for review.
Additional information regarding registration and course schedules will be available through CVC@ONE.
Key Takeaway
Faculty may access Section 0 through their local institution or through CVC@ONE professional development opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Section 0 is an optional companion resource.
No. Section 0 is designed to support course preparation before review.
No. Section 0 is not evaluated as part of the rubric review process.
Yes. The adoptable course is intended to be flexible and may be adapted to meet local needs.
Yes. CVC@ONE plans to offer a facilitated Section 0 course beginning in Fall 2026.
Strong Courses Begin Before the Review
Section 0: A Guided Pathway Through Course Design provides optional tools and resources that help faculty strengthen course design, improve usability, and prepare for successful course reviews.
