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Modality refers to the method of course delivery and faculty-to-student interaction. Common categories include:

• Online: Instruction delivered via the internet, which may be

  • Synchronous: with required meeting days and times

  • Asynchronous: with no required meeting times

• Face-to-Face: Instruction occurring in a physical location, such as a classroom, lab, or other designated setting that is not online

• Distance: Instruction delivered remotely, typically through online platforms or audio/web conferencing technologies

Faculty may use the term “online or distance” in a broadly encompassing manner that does not always align with student interpretations. This distinction is further shaped by institutional definitions used to code instructional modalities, which may vary considerably. Within these established administrative and billing frameworks, pedagogical practices are expected to align with, and be classified according to, the designated modality.

The following definitions reflect the official modality classifications used at UAF. For clarification, please contact the Office of the Registrar or the Curriculum Management Team.

• In Person    
  Traditional face-to-face instruction, including lectures, seminars, labs, and vocational courses. This category also includes courses where students are required to be physically present in a designated location while participating in instruction delivered via video conferencing.

• Online – No Set Time   
  Fully asynchronous courses delivered online with structured content, regular interaction, and defined deadlines, but no required meeting times.

• In Person “And” Online (Hybrid)    
  Courses in which online components replace a portion of scheduled in-person class time. Online activities may be synchronous , asynchronous or both.

• In Person “OR” Online (Hyflex)    
  Courses designed to provide flexibility in attendance, allowing students to participate either in person or through synchronous online sessions. Both delivery options share the same scheduled meeting times.

• Online – Set Time     
  Courses conducted synchronously via audio or web conferencing with required, scheduled meeting times. Students are expected to attend all sessions in real time; asynchronous participation is not an alternative option. Supplemental asynchronous activities may be included to support required synchronous instruction or to replace a limited portion of scheduled synchronous class time, as defined by the course.

How FOCUS Codes and Modality Work Together

FOCUS codes and modality definitions work together to describe how a course is delivered at UAF. Modality explains the instructional design, while FOCUS codes provide the official scheduling label used in Banner and CLSS. When paired correctly, they give students a clear understanding of where and how they will participate in a course.

Modality describes the structure of instruction, whether students meet in person, online, in a blended format, or through flexible participation options such as HyFlex. FOCUS codes (F, O, C, U, S) translate that instructional design into standardized codes used for registration, scheduling, and reporting.

How They Align

• • F – Face‑to‑Face: Modality: In‑person. Students meet in a physical classroom at set times.

  • O – Online Asynchronous: Modality: Online, no set meeting time. Students complete work on their own schedule.

  • C – Combination: Modality: Blended or hybrid. Instruction is split between in‑person and online components.

  • U – HyFlex: Modality: HyFlex. Students can choose, on a class‑by‑class basis, whether to attend in person or online synchronously.

  • S – Online Synchronous: Modality: Online with set meeting times (e.g., via Zoom).

Why This Matters

Modality tells students how they will learn. FOCUS codes tell the system how the course is scheduled. Together, they ensure students receive accurate, consistent information about course expectations and participation options.