Preparing for SACS: Focusing our Quality Enhancement Plan

Two Primary Components

Quality Enhancement Plan to improve student learning

Compliance Certification to describe and document the effectiveness of our programs and policies

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

The QEP describes a carefully designed course of

action that addresses a well-defined and focused

topic or issue related to enhancing student learning and/or the environment supporting student learning and accomplishing the

mission of the institution.

Handbook for Institutions Seeking Reaffirmation SACS, August 2011 edition

We may choose the focus of our QEP.• Institutional priority

– Anchored in our strategic plan or assessment results

– High level of interest and commitment from faculty and administration

• Feasible– Effective strategies, narrow focus– Affordable– Responsible offices have commitment and

capacity– Sufficient faculty support for approval and

implementation

• SACS requirements– Designed to improve student learning in a

well-defined manner– Institution-wide in scope and vision– Broad-based participation – Measureable impact on student learning

• Includes a well constructed assessment plan– Ready for implementation, but not yet

implemented by spring 2014• Resources have been committed, a schedule has

been approved, responsibility has been assigned

Four topics under consideration

• Critical and creative thinking• Information literacy• Global awareness• Civic awareness

Campus input on choice of QEP topic• SACS Leadership Team• Faculty and staff discussion groups• Deans Council• Associate Deans for Academic Affairs• Faculty Senate• Student Affairs AVCs and Vice Provosts• University Council• Student Senate, UGSA

Recommendation to Chancellor by SACS

Leadership Team later this month,followed by appointment of QEP

team

Critical and Creative ThinkingLearning outcomes

– “Designed thinking”– Analyzing and organizing information to solve problems– Synthesizing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways

Possible Strategies– Freshman seminars and/or senior capstones– General education: interdisciplinary course– Supplemental instruction– Undergraduate research and learning communities

Resources– Teaching positions – Release time and faculty development– Mentors and tutors

Information LiteracyLearning Outcomes

– “Evaluating the fire hose of information coming at us”– Organizing and communicating information– Effective and responsible use of information

Possible Strategies– Freshman seminars, embed in existing courses– General education interdisciplinary course– Library-based instruction

Resources– Teaching positions – Release time and faculty development– Mentors, tutors. librarians

Global AwarenessLearning outcomes

– Interact, communicate effectively with people from other cultures

– Understand different world views– Global perspective

Possible Strategies– Passport experiences, including study and service

abroad– Minors, certificates, general education requirements– Learning communities, on-campus interactions

Resources– Scholarships for international experiences– Academic advisors to facilitate degree planning– Programming staff

Civic AwarenessLearning outcomes

– Apply classroom knowledge and skills to community issues

– “Real world” and broader geographic perspectives– Leadership and teamwork skills

Possible Strategies– Service learning courses, experiential learning– Freshman seminars and/or senior capstones– Learning communities

Resources– Release time and faculty development– Coordinators, supervisors for community service– Scholarships

What focus do you recommend for NC State’s QEP?