Crookston, MN - The University of Minnesota Crookston is announcing that COMM 3710: Event Planning and Management is being recognized for achieving the Quality Matters Foundational Design standard through the Quality Matters review process. This recognition underscores the university's commitment to delivering exceptional, high-quality education that is thoughtfully designed to support student learning and success, and is a timely step forward touching several focus areas of the University of Minnesota's Elevate Extraordinary 2030 strategic plan.

Quality Matters is the leading national standard for quality assurance in online course design, using a comprehensive, research-based rubric to evaluate clarity, structure, accessibility, and alignment within a course. Dr. Jeff Lindgren, Associate Director of the Center for Educational Innovation, highlighted the rigorous and supportive nature of the University of Minnesota's in-house process he is overseeing.

"Quality Matters (QM) is the leading national standard for quality assurance and continuous improvement in online course design, and is grounded in decades of research. A team of three university faculty or staff reviewers provides research-based feedback that is collegial, constructive, specific, and actionable, all of which is aligned with the comprehensive QM Rubric. The QM Rubric covers key elements of course design such as assessment, instructional materials, learning activities, course technology and accessibility."
Crookston's COMM 3710 is the first course across the 5 University of Minnesota campuses to be approved through this internal review process. COMM 3710 is a hands-on, applied course in which students learn and practice event planning industry skills. Students use project management techniques to plan, market, implement, and evaluate small and large-scale events. Throughout the semester, student teams design and execute both in-person and virtual events, gaining practical experience while strengthening project management, communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

As part of UMN Crookston's strong portfolio of online and on-campus programs, COMM 3710 contributes significantly to preparing students for roles that require coordination, communication, and the ability to manage complex projects. Dr. Eddie Loo, Director of Online Programs, emphasized the importance of this recognition as the university continues to strengthen quality across its online courses.

"Our online program quality-assurance includes pre-delivery course reviews by peer faculty and staff based on an abridged version of the Quality Matters Rubric. However, this is the first time that one of our courses was reviewed by a team of Certified QM reviewers from the University of Minnesota, in a full review involving 8 QM General Standards and 44 Specific Review Standards."
Dr. Loo also noted the course's strength in accessibility, adding, "The COMM 3710 received a UDOIT Digital Accessibility Scorecard of 99 percent."

The University of Minnesota Crookston continues to align its courses with national quality benchmarks to ensure students receive an education that is rigorous, relevant, and intentionally designed for long-term success.

About UMN Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of five campuses in the prestigious University of Minnesota System offering students an exceptional, hands-on learning experience in a safe, close-knit community. Known for its #1 best value ranking, NCAA Division II athletics, affordable tuition, #1 ranked dorms, and a supportive environment, UMN Crookston provides personalized attention and mentorship to help you thrive academically and professionally. With over 75 programs to choose from, including both on-campus and online options, you'll find a path that fits your goals at UMN Crookston. Small campus. Big Degree. The best of both worlds.

Learn more or apply today at www.umcrookston.edu.

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