Augusta Technical College's Introductory Psychology Course Receives Quality Matters Certification for Course Design Quality
Congratulations Ms. Nicole Crawley!
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Augusta Technical College's Introductory Psychology Course
Receives Quality Matters Certification for Course Design Quality
Augusta, GA - April 24, 2025
Augusta Technical College’s PSYC 1101 - Introductory Psychology Course, earned the Quality Matters (QM) Certification Mark following a rigorous review process. The QM Certification Mark is the internationally recognized symbol of online and blended course design quality and represents ATC’s ongoing commitment to creating learning environments that provide learners with a clear pathway to success.
The certification is the result of ATC’s dedication to continuous improvement, including the innovative work of Ms. Nicole Crawly, Psychology Instructor in the School of Arts and Sciences. The course is now listed on the QM directory of certified courses.
According to Instructor Crawley, " The Quality Matters review process pushed me to examine the course with a more critical and purposeful lens. It gave me the opportunity to fine-tune how each component, from the learning objectives to the assessments, works together to support a cohesive and engaging learning experience. I appreciated the focus on clarity, alignment, and accessibility, and I’m proud to have had the course recognized for its quality and impact on student success. The structured feedback provided by the reviewers was incredibly valuable and helped ensure that every element of the course was intentionally designed to support student learning.”
The QM Official Review provided independent validation of the quality, learner-focused course design found in PSYC 1101. Reviews are conducted by QM-Certified Reviewers and use the Quality Matters Rubric and associated Standards, which are based on research and best practices. A course earns the QM Certification Mark once it meets QM Rubric Standards at the 85% threshold or better and meets all Essential Standards.
Implementation of Quality Matters at Augusta Technical College is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. College faculty work with the Center for Professional Excellence (CPE) at ATC to develop accessible courses to increase student success and retention. Augusta Technical College is dedicated to implementing Quality Matters in select Gateway Courses by 2025. The implementation of Quality Matters supports Strategic Priority I - Student Success with an Equity Focus, and Core Values of Excellence, Inclusiveness, and Innovation.
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About Quality Matters
Grounded in research. Driven by best practices. A community that puts learners first. Quality Matters (QM) is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. It provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations. When you see QM Certification Marks on courses or programs, it means they have met QM Course Design Standards or QM Program Review Criteria in a rigorous review process.
About Augusta Technical College
Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary institution that provides academic and technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates
of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit augustatech.edu.
Media Contact:
Kimberly N. Holden
Executive Director, Marketing & Public Relations
706.771.4819
kimberly.holden@augustatech.edu