What is RSI?
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) is a measure to confirm that online courses include consistent, meaningful, and faculty-initiated engagement that supports student learning. It involves timely feedback, guidance, and content-focused communication to ensure quality, compliance, and student success.
Regular
Regular interaction means the instructor is consistently and predictably present throughout the course. This includes:
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Scheduled check-ins such as weekly announcements or updates
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Clearly communicated expectations for instructor response times
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Timely, ongoing feedback on assignments
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Monitoring student progress and proactively reaching out when support is needed
Substantive
Substantive interaction focuses on meaningful academic engagement that supports learning. This includes:
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Providing detailed, constructive feedback tied to course objectives
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Offering clarification, examples, or explanations of course content
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Facilitating discussions that deepen understanding
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Delivering direct instruction, mini-lessons, or content-focused messages
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Guiding students on next steps, strategies, or areas for improvement
Interaction
Interaction refers to intentional, two-way communication that moves learning forward. This includes:
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Instructor-initiated messages, outreach, or feedback
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Engagement through discussions, messages, virtual meetings, or announcements
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Communication that relates directly to student learning or course concepts
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Opportunities for students to respond, ask questions, and participate
Why RSI Matters
Regular and Substantive Interaction is required by federal regulations (34 C.F.R. § 600.2; § 602.3), California law (Title 5 § 55204), and ACCJC accrediting standards (II.A.7 and Policy on Commission Distance Education and Correspondence Education) in order to distinguish distance education from correspondence courses. By ensuring that instructors are consistently engaged in meaningful, content-focused communication, colleges remain aligned with legal expectations and avoid compliance issues. Maintaining RSI protects the institution’s academic integrity and prevents potential penalties during audits or reviews.
RSI is essential for ensuring that online courses qualify for federal financial aid. Courses without adequate instructor engagement may be reclassified as correspondence courses, which are not eligible for federal financial aid programs. Consistently implementing RSI safeguards students’ access to federal grants and loans while protecting the college from repayment findings or financial aid violations.
Meaningful, ongoing interaction between instructors and students is central to strong learning outcomes. RSI promotes engagement, provides timely guidance, and helps students feel supported throughout the course. When students experience regular presence and substantive feedback, they are more likely to stay motivated, persist through challenges, and successfully complete their coursework.