An ABA-approved law school may grant a student up to 50% of the credit hours required for the J.D. degree through distance education courses (see Definition 7, and Standards 306). If a law school wishes to grant 50% or more of the credit hours required for the J.D. degree through distance education courses, it must apply for a substantive change under Standard 105 and Rule 24.
There are three situations in which a school needs to apply for a substantive change related to Distance Education:
- Instituting a new Distance Education division. Complete this application. (You do not need to complete the 50% Threshold Application-Approval for 50% Threshold is included)
- Changing academic policies to allow students to earn 50% or more of the credit hours required for the J.D. degree through Distance Education Courses. Complete this application. (You do not need to complete the 50% Threshold Application-Approval for 50% Threshold is included)
- Enrolling 50% or more of its students in at least one Distance Education Course or offering 50% or more of its courses as distance Education Courses (50% Threshold). Complete this application.