Student support services for online learning re-imagined and re-invigorated: Then, now and what's to come.

Through the work of the Online Education Initiative (OEI), a collaborative effort among the California Community College system (CCC), what has become glaringly apparent is that in order to close the achievement gaps in both categories, not only is there a need for a systematic approach to quality online course design and teaching, there is a need for purposeful investment in the design and delivery of effective online student support services that help learners develop the competencies and attributes required for successful online study and lifelong learning.