The use of online discussion original posts (DQs) to stimulate classroom participation and demonstrate learning through research of a topic is a core learning approach.  Questions have arisen regarding the originality and quality of thinking in submittals.  It was determined that in some existing online courses the "discussion questions" would benefit from guidelines for developing a selection of discussion assignments and rubrics which have a higher probability of generating submittals based upon Bloom’s Higher Order Thinking and more original content.  A pilot project developed guidelines while updating the DQs to discussion activities and creating rubrics for a selected course.  The resulting guidelines are being reviewed and refined using a Delphi method with Faculty and volunteers.