The purpose of this study is to examine support for online learners in higher education programs. More institutions are offering online options due to the COVID 19 pandemic. While the pandemic affects all institutions of higher education, it is a particular challenge for smaller schools who have promoted personalized attention. The study seeks to identify best practices in institutional support for online learners and to evaluate such practices in selected small, Catholic institutions in the United States. The following research questions will be addressed: How are institutions offering quality support for online learners beyond the course experience? How do these offerings relate to current best practices in online student support? [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]