The primary platform used for distance education at Columbia College is CANVAS (Learning Management System).
When issues arise during the usage of this learning management system, students report to their program staff, and the program staff reports to the director but if/when the issue cannot be resolved, this is then reported to the Strategic Planning office. The Strategic Planning office then contacts the learning management system to report and request to resolve the issue.
In addition to the learning management system, there is an online library that the College provides access to students. This is a resource provided for students, and some sources are specifically/directly related to his/her field of study. Reporting an issue (that is strictly technical and not about the contents) is to be proceeded with the same procedure of the learning management system issues.
In terms of the school portal system, starting in March 2024, Columbia College began using Blackbaud as its academic management system. Blackbaud is a student information system and web-based portal used to manage student records, including personal information, course registration, grades, attendance, and overall academic status. The Platform Manager assigns individual roles to staff members, and access permissions vary depending on each employee’s role and level of responsibility. By limiting access to a few staff members, Columbia College tries to ensure the privacy, safety, and security of institutional data.
Columbia College currently has an external vendor that works on/is responsible for the server and any issues related to its website are to be reported to the Operations Office. Once informed, the office contacts the vendor to report and request resolution of the issue.
Columbia College complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. In terms of state regulations, it complies with all Virginia rules and regulations. Periodical building code and health and safety inspection visits by the local government should be current such as elevator/sprinkler and fire. The Strategic Planning office manages those contracts and arranges visits and follow up currently.
