Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)

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Last Updated: Mar 23, 2026, 10:13 AM

Regular and Substantive Interaction Requirements 

Definition 

RSI is instructor-initiated, academic engagement that occurs on a regular and predictable basis and is substantive (i.e., beyond passive presence). RSI must be tied to course outcomes and include feedback, direction, or instruction. 

Minimum Requirements 

Frequency & Predictability: In every week with instructional activity, the instructor provides at least one clearly identifiable RSI event or sequence (e.g., announcement + discussion replies + targeted feedback) scheduled in the syllabus or weekly module. 

Initiation: Interactions are initiated by the instructor; student-initiated messages alone do not satisfy RSI. 

Substance: Interactions advance learning via direct instruction, assessment/feedback, responding to course-related questions, proactive monitoring with outreach, or tutoring/office hours with documented academic engagement. 

Documentation: RSI plans are described in the syllabus or weekly overview; evidence is retained in the LMS (announcements, discussion replies, feedback artifacts, recordings/transcripts, messages). 

Regular and Substantive Interaction Requirements

Examples that Meet RSI

  • Direct instruction (e.g., weekly instructor video or mini-lecture with follow-up Q&A/discussion). 
  • Use frequent announcements to revisit previous topics, clarify common misunderstandings, identify patterns in student submissions, and reinforce key concepts. 
  • Substantive facilitation of discussions (probing questions, guided analysis, instructor replies that extend thinking). 
  • Individualized, timely feedback on assignments or assessments; iterative coaching on drafts or projects. CTE recommends feedback within three business days of submission. 
  • Regular Q&A or help sessions (synchronous or asynchronous) in which the instructor provides academic guidance and posts a summary/recording for all students. 
  • Proactive monitoring of student progress with outreach and academic support to individuals or groups. 

Non-Examples (do NOT satisfy RSI by themselves)

  • Pre-recorded lectures with no instructor follow-up or engagement in the current term. 
  • Automated announcements or messages without instructor presence or feedback. 
  • Only responding to student-initiated emails; office hours listed but unused or undocumented. 
  • Posting grades without personalized, instructional feedback. 
  • Unguided peer-to-peer discussion with no instructor facilitation or feedback.

 

 

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