{"id":10008,"date":"2026-08-25T10:03:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T15:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/advancing-learning\/?p=10008"},"modified":"2026-08-25T10:11:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T15:11:10","slug":"rsi-instructor-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/advancing-learning\/rsi-instructor-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Regular &amp; Substantive Interaction (RSI) Instructor Checklist &amp; Best Practices"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-universities-of-wisconsin-online-collaboratives-amp-flexible-option-programs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Universities of Wisconsin Online Collaboratives &amp; Flexible Option Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-universities-of-wisconsin-online-collaboratives-amp-flexible-option-programs\">RSI is federally required, instructor-initiated interaction that is regular and substantive. RSI is the primary mechanism proving academic engagement and is essential for federal financial aid eligibility in all online courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-instructor-checklist\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Instructor Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion uwm-p-accordion--icon-left-circle\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Regular Interaction (Predictable &amp; Ongoing)<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide&nbsp;scheduled opportunities for interaction (e.g., published weekly office hours)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instructor presence is consistent and sustained across the course&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students know when and how to expect interaction from me (e.g., grading within 3-5 business days, responding to questions within 48 hours)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Substantive Interaction (At Least\u00a0Two\u00a0Required)<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide direct instruction (synchronous instructional activities)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UW Flexible Option&nbsp;and&nbsp;Online&nbsp;Collaboratives&nbsp;are&nbsp;not direct instruction&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide&nbsp;timely, specific, and improvement-focused&nbsp;feedback on student work&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respond to content-related&nbsp;questions&nbsp;by clarifying&nbsp;and expanding understanding&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitate&nbsp;academic&nbsp;discussions&nbsp;with prompts and guided&nbsp;dialogue&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other approved instructional activities (aligned with program\/accreditor expectations)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Substantive interaction can be fulfilled through posted feedback, recorded video, discussion&nbsp;facilitation,&nbsp;announcements, and written responses.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Proactive Engagement &amp; Monitoring<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Student engagement and progress are monitored&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proactive outreach occurs for students who are&nbsp;struggling or disengaged&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Responses to student requests are prompt&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engagement is adjusted&nbsp;based on student needs&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Evidence of RSI in LMS (Canvas)<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Timestamped instructor posts&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Differentiated feedback in graded assignments (feedback unique to the student\u2019s activity)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discussion facilitation beyond \u201cgood job\u201d comments&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instructor presence across multiple weeks&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Syllabus explicitly described engagement expectations&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">What Does NOT Meet RSI Requirements Alone<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Posting grades without feedback&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automated messages only&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One-way content delivery without interaction&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only responding when students initiate contact&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Governance &amp; Oversight Checklist<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Institutional policy defines RSI&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faculty training includes RSI requirements&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Periodic internal audits of online courses&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documentation retained for at least one audit cycle&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-general-rsi-reminders\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">General RSI Reminders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regular &amp; Substantive Interaction compliance is&nbsp;directly related&nbsp;to federal financial aid eligibility: without RSI,&nbsp;online\/distance education&nbsp;courses may be reclassified as correspondence courses which are not eligible for financial aid.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documentation of RSI is critical.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self-paced and competency-based education programs&nbsp;have greater scrutiny.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RSI provides a better learning environment and improves student outcomes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-best-practices\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-8\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-8\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Interaction Type<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Frequency<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Best Practice Standards<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Specific Examples<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Assignment Grading &amp; Feedback <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Within 5 business days <\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><ul><li>Reference specific student work using direct quotes or examples<\/li><li>Map comments to rubric criteria<\/li><li>Include on forward-looking improvement focus per submission<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><ul><li>\u201cYour analysis of [concept] in paragraph 3 is strong because\u2026\u201d<\/li><li>Annotated rubric with category-specific narrative<\/li><li>Screenshare video walkthrough for complex work (Kaltura) <\/li><\/ul><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">LMS Messages &amp; Email <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Reply within 48 business hours <\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><ul><li>Address content questions substantively<\/li><li>Never leave student messages unanswered<\/li><li>Distinguish instructional questions (respond fully) from procedural ones (redirect)<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><ul><li>Flag all unread LMS messages at start of each login<\/li><li>Use message templates as a starting point<\/li><li>Send proactive outreach if student misses 2+ activities<\/li><\/ul><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Content Delivery<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Every module<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><ul><li>Post a 2-3 min. instructor-narrated module intro<\/li><li>Connect to prior learning and real-world application<\/li><li>Do not rely solely on static content or publisher materials<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><ul><li>Module overview video: objectives + what to look for<\/li><li>Weekly \u2018Expert Perspective\u2019 post connecting readings to current events<\/li><li>Instructor-created work example or case study<\/li><\/ul><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Weekly Announcements* <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1-2 per week (instructor-initiated) <\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><ul><li>Preview week\u2019s content and purpose<\/li><li>Acknowledge class trends or common questions from prior week<\/li><li>Personalize tone<\/li><li>Avoid generic auto-reminders alone<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><ul><li>\u201cThis week we move from theory to application \u2013 here\u2019s why\u2026\u201d<\/li><li>\u201cI noticed many of you asked about X \u2013 here\u2019s a resource\u2026\u201d<\/li><li>Short 90-second welcome video posted in LMS<\/li><\/ul><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Discussion Facilitation* <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1-2 posts\/week <\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><ul><li>Pose Socratic follow-ups<\/li><li>Synthesize student ideas<\/li><li>Connect threads to module learning outcomes<\/li><li>Appear across multiple login sessions, not all in one day<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><ul><li>Replay asking, \u201chow does this connect to X?\u201d<\/li><li>Mid-week synthesis: \u201cI\u2019m seeing two themes emerge\u2026\u201d <\/li><li>Close thread with a concept bridge to next module<\/li><\/ul><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-8 from cache -->\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>* Not compatible with the UW Flexible Option model.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-feedback-templates\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feedback Templates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-assessment-feedback-strengths-targeted-growth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assessment Feedback: strengths + targeted growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c[Name],\u00a0your work on [topic] shows\u00a0clear\u00a0command of [skill\/concept], especially [specific example]. To level up, sharpen your argument in [section] by connecting explicitly to [rubric criterion]. See my rubric note for a concrete suggestion.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-assessment-feedback-via-video\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assessment Feedback Via Video<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHi [Name], I recorded a brief walkthrough of your submission- easier to show than write. The main themes are [strength] and [area to develop]. Link: . Feel free to reply in Canvas or meet with me during office hours if you have questions after watching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-check-in-request-proactive-outreach\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check-in Request: Proactive Outreach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHi [Name], I\u2019ve noticed [observation: missed posts\/strong performance\/question pattern] and wanted to connect individually. Are you able to join me during my office hours next week? If not, please let me know if there\u2019s another time we can connect. This is optional but I think it would be valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-assessment-feedback-forward-look\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assessment Feedback: Forward-look<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSolid progress this module, [Name]. As we move into [next module\/topic], consider how this connects to [upcoming concept]. If you\u2019d like to talk through your approach before the next assessment, please join me at my office hours or book a time via [scheduling link].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-non-responsive-student-outreach-proactive-outreach\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Non-responsive Student Outreach: Proactive Outreach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHi\u00a0[Name],\u00a0I\u00a0noticed you\u00a0[haven\u2019t\u00a0logged into the course since __\/haven\u2019t\u00a0participated\u00a0in discussion X this week\/haven\u2019t\u00a0submitted\u00a0an assessment since __] and wanted to check in. If anything is\u00a0preventing you from participating, please reach out.\u00a0Here\u2019s\u00a0a suggestion for getting back on track: [specific step]. Your Success Coach and I are here to help.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-q-amp-a-thread-substantive-content-response\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q&amp;A Thread: Substantive Content Response<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGreat question, [Name], and I suspect others have wondered the same thing. [Direct answer.] The key concept here is [explanation tied to learning objective.] For a deeper dive, see [resource]. If this opens more questions, post below- this is how understanding deepens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-discussion-facilitation-socratic-follow-up\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discussion Facilitation: Socratic Follow-up*<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c[Name],\u00a0you\u2019ve\u00a0identified\u00a0[concept] well. To go deeper: how does your argument hold up when we apply\u00a0[Module X principle]?\u00a0I\u2019d\u00a0push you to consider whether [peer\u2019s point] supports or complicates your claim. This is exactly the analysis\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0building toward.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-weekly-announcement-instructor-initiated\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weekly Announcement: Instructor-initiated*\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHello [Class], great engagement this week, particularly around [topic]. Heading into [Week X],\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0shifting to [focus]. A pattern\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0noticed: [common question or gap].\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0posted a resource in [location] to address this. Post questions in the Q&amp;A forum.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">*<em>Not compatible with the UW Flexible Option model.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-practices-to-avoid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practices to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-reactive-only-engagement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reactive-only Engagement\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Responding only when students message you\u00a0does\u00a0not satisfy RSI. Instructor-initiated contact is\u00a0required.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-ai-replies-in-discussion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">AI Replies in Discussion\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Posting AI-generated responses in discussion boards\u00a0fails\u00a0the instructor-presence standard. Your voice must be authentic.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-auto-grading-without-personalization\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Auto-grading Without Personalization\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AI\/LMS auto-feedback on written work, without instructor commentary, fail the substantive threshold. Every student deserves individual feedback.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-generic-or-vague-feedback\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Generic or Vague Feedback\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cGood work\u201d or AI boilerplate language is non-compliant. Feedback must reference the students\u2019 specific ideas and work.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-single-login-day-per-week\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Single Login Day per Week\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Posting all content\u00a0on\u00a0one day\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0regularity. Spread interactions across 3+ login sessions weekly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-no-documentation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">No Documentation\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Undocumented RSI cannot be verified in audits. Log all substantive interactions in your course record.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-undisclosed-ai-in-grading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Undisclosed AI in Grading\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Any AI-assisted evaluation process must be\u00a0disclosed\u00a0to students and\u00a0comply with\u00a0your university\u2019s AI use policy.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-acknowledgements\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acknowledgements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This resource was produced by the Office of Online &amp; Professional Learning Resources\u00a0as a resource\u00a0for\u00a0Universities\u00a0of\u00a0Wisconsin Online\u00a0Collaboratives and Flexible Option Programs.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Department of Education,\u00a0Code of Federal Regulations:\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecfr.gov\/current\/title-34\/subtitle-B\/chapter-VI\/part-600\/subpart-A\/section-600.2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Title 34 C.F.R.\u00a0 600.2<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Universities of Wisconsin Online Collaboratives &amp; Flexible Option Programs RSI is federally required, instructor-initiated interaction that is regular and substantive. RSI is the primary mechanism proving academic engagement and is essential for federal financial aid eligibility in all online courses. &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35315,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[]},"categories":[138,121,120,119,124,85,118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10008","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-adjuncts","category-course-coordinators","category-department-chairs","category-instructors","category-online-teaching-and-learning","category-tl-resources","category-teaching-assistants"],"uwm_unpublish_requested":false,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Center for Advancing Student Learning<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/advancing-learning\/rsi-instructor-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Regular &amp; Substantive Interaction (RSI) Instructor Checklist &amp; Best Practices\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Universities of Wisconsin Online Collaboratives &amp; Flexible Option Programs RSI is federally required, instructor-initiated interaction that is regular and substantive. 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