SACSCOC Reaffirmation 2016 Quality Enhancement Plan QEP Road Show Fall 2014

Background: Accreditation The primary means of assuring and improving the quality of higher education institutions and programs in the US. A private, voluntary system of self-examination and peer review is central to the process. The primary “reliable authority” for university funding at the federal, state, and private levels. In fact, students cannot qualify for federal financial aid if they are not attending an accredited institution. In many states, students entering licensed and certified professions must hold their degrees from accredited universities. Students may also encounter barriers to advanced educational opportunities if they have not graduated from an accredited university. Source: Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Background: SACSCOC Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges The regional accreditor of colleges in 11 southern states as well as some non-US universities. Source: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Background: QEP A successful QEP will: Focus on student learning Accomplish the mission Be implementable and assessable Involve broad-based input A proposal describing a carefully designed course of action for enhancing educational quality. Source: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Required Learning Outcome Our QEP Themes Principal Theme Experiential Learning Sub-Themes Leadership, Research & Scholarship, Community Engagement Required Learning Outcome Written & Oral Communications Skills

QEP Selection Timeline Now – Sep 12 DISCUSSION OF THEMES: Visit gru.edu/qep regularly to review and discuss information on the principal theme and sub-themes Sep 15 – Nov 3 CALL FOR QEP PROPOSALS: All faculty, staff, and students are invited to submit a proposal for their QEP ideas. Receive guidance at the QEP Workshops on October 3 (Summerville) and October 27 (Health Sciences). Dec 2 – Dec 4 QEP LEADERSHIP PANEL PRESENTATIONS: The authors of the top proposals will be invited to present their ideas to a panel of GRU leaders Jan 16 QEP SELECTED: The QEP will be selected by Dr. Azziz and Dr. Caughman, and the Develop Phase will begin

For more information, visit www.gru.edu/QEP Questions & comments For more information, visit www.gru.edu/QEP