Abstract
Institutions of higher learning are adopting distance education courses to make it easier for students to obtain certificates, minors and degrees. A key aspect in the success of distance education programs revolves around how well the programs engage students during their learning. Developing an online program presents choices in determining appropriate learning strategies in course delivery and student engagement. This reflection discusses organizing a multi-institution, distance education certificate program and choices for incorporating student engagement into the courses of an online agricultural and environmental law certificate program. Institutions and instructors may need to expend greater efforts to engage students in activities that will enhance their distance learning courses.