As part of SHSU’s continued commitment to Strategic Priority #1—Prioritize Student Success and Student Access—SHSU Online is proud to support the launch of three fully online degree programs under the new SamPoly initiative, set to go live in Fall 2025. Spearheaded by Dr. Chad Hargrave’s office, SamPoly represents a forward-facing vision for applied, career-aligned learning in high-demand fields. SHSU Online is delivering the operational backbone needed to bring this vision to life, providing course development, instructional design, faculty training, and media production support.
The initial SamPoly offerings include Level I and Level II credentials in:
- Computer Information Systems and Security, Level I Certificate | AAS
- Paralegal Studies, Level II Certificate | AAS
- Practical Al and Intelligent Automation, Level I Certificate
Each program is designed to provide flexible, workforce-relevant pathways for learners across Texas and beyond, particularly adult and nontraditional students seeking credentials in emerging and in-demand disciplines.
Course Development & Instructional Design
To ensure a seamless and engaging online experience from day one, SHSU Online has partnered closely with faculty subject matter experts (SMEs) across all three SamPoly programs. Each course began with the development of a detailed instructional blueprint, many of which integrate Open Educational Resources (OER) to reduce or eliminate textbook costs for students—supporting both access and affordability. These blueprints were then transformed into fully developed; interactive online courses built on evidence-based best practices in digital pedagogy.
Our goal is to design courses that are not only rigorous and aligned with learning outcomes, but also equitable and accessible for all learners. Over 70% of the new SamPoly courses include OER, which aligns with our institutional commitment to reducing financial barriers and promoting wider access, while maintaining academic quality.
This collaborative, design-forward approach ensures students will encounter consistent navigation, meaningful engagement, and clear pathways to success across all SamPoly offerings.
Figure 1- Getty Images For Unsplash+
Media & Video Production
Rich media is a hallmark of SamPoly’s design, serving as a key lever in fostering student engagement and presence in the online learning environment. Over 100 premium videos are currently in production or final development, each crafted to deepen understanding, humanize content, and strengthen the connection between students and instructors.
Research consistently shows that multimedia learning—especially instructor-led video—improves student satisfaction, supports diverse learning styles, and enhances knowledge retention. According to a study published in the Online Learning Journal, students in online courses that incorporate instructor videos report higher levels of engagement and a stronger sense of belonging (Brame, 2016).
SHSU Online’s media production timeline is tightly coordinated to ensure all assets are delivered on schedule, positioning SamPoly students for success from the very first click.
Impact on Access and Success
This coordinated, cross-functional effort ensures that SamPoly students will benefit from:
- High-quality, standards-aligned online courses
- Consistent navigation and intuitive course design across programs
- Dynamic media content that fosters connection and engagement
- Timely program rollout aligned with Fall 2025 enrollment targets
SHSU Online’s wraparound services are instrumental in shaping the academic foundation of SamPoly, supporting faculty, empowering learners, and fulfilling the university’s mission to expand access to transformative education. As we look to Fall 2025, the successful launch of these programs will mark a major milestone—not just for SamPoly, but for SHSU’s continued leadership in online learning innovation.
Reference:
Brame CJ. Effective Educational Videos: Principles and Guidelines for Maximizing Student Learning from Video Content. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2016 Winter;15(4):es6. doi: 10.1187/cbe.16-03-0125. PMID: 27789532; PMCID: PMC5132380.