Why Should I Align to the POCR Rubric?

Aligning to POCR helps Merritt College meet our mission and vision goals:

Our strategic goal: transfer – students completing a course through the CVC will undoubtedly reach their degree goals to complete their AA-T and UC/CSU units in a timely manner
Student access and success: in using the robust POCR rubric, students are able to better communicate and participate in a POCR-designed course

Aligning to POCR is an equitable practice:

The POCR rubric is highly-reviewed and robust! If followed correctly, instructors will design their class with equity built-in, and in-mind
Designing your course using POCR standards ensures that all students will be learning in a streamlined model of consistent modules so students can expect a similar format in each unit of a single course
POCR puts students first:
- Student services and resources are placed at the front of course design
- PDF, UDL, and alt text technologies ensure students can read or hear all texts contained in the shell
- POCR alignment requires designers to maintain evidence of how students will connect with peers and their instructor
- Classes completed with POCR alignment typically reflect students will maintain a higher success and retention rates

POCR is Assessment-Focused

Part of the POCR rubric requires designers to place SLOs at the forefront of each module
All POCR-aligned courses must include examples of assessment (usually a survey, or check-in model)
Instructors are encouraged to include local objectives, course objectives, and those from CORs

Stipends are offered for faculty with badged courses:

A badged course is one that has been reviewed by POCR reviewers and the team lead. These courses receive a badge to show that work is finalized and edits have been completed. Once badges are provided, instructors may apply for a stipend.

Badged Courses can be Offered Across the CCC

If an instructor has already badged a course at their home college, they are able to bring the same course to a second college and request a formal submission to the CVC through the local POCR team

You Will have Support!

The average time to fully align a course according to the rubric can range between 80-100 hours, however your POCR team and POCR lead will offer support regarding best online practices through office hours and short work sessions
You will learn equitable teaching and course design through POCR team meetings and workshops
The CVC and @one are developing ongoing courses such as Accessibility/Section D Training to support the local POCR process

In 2022/2023, preferences for POCR submissions will be prioritized as follows: