Presentation to Student Government Association February 5, 2014 Partnering Academics and Community Engagement (PACE)

WHAT is a QEP ? (and how does it affect me?) A Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a statement of what we will be doing over the next five years Seeks to improve some aspect of student learning (or student learning environment) Aligned with institutional objectives, planning, and priorities A *requirement* for our reaffirmation of SACS accreditation

FOCUS

Our QEP’s Focus Partnering Academics with Community Engagement (PACE) …will focus on student engagement through community projects that enhance learning Related to service learning Projects that will be level-appropriate, and aligned specifically with course/curricular outcomes Across the curriculum, from core to upper division

“What’s in it for students?” Links with increased critical thinking and problem-solving abilities Links with increased self efficacy, appreciation of diversity Links with higher-order thinking tasks Increases in civic engagement, sense of citizenship Enhanced social responsibility Concrete experience

Which classes (and when)? 5-year implementation (Fall 2014-Spring 2019) Fall 2014 CSU 1022 sections Spring 2015 Sections of some Core classes Fall 2015 Continue CSU 1022, Core, add Upper Division classes Rest of 5-year rollout Continue to expand and grow courses

But what else? Co-curricular transcript An official record of community service hours that may NOT be associated with a course (in addition to those IN courses) Student Mentor Teams/Team Leaders Focused specifically on mentoring students in PACE courses Community Engagement Conference …midway through the 5 year rollout, host a regional Community Engagement Conference at Clayton State …to highlight the work that has been done in academic community …students, faculty, and community partners present …continued training and professional development.

But what else? Merit Badges …to help students highlight and document course- related projects and experiences; merit badge can be received upon successful completion of a course project Graduation recognition 200 or more community service hours over their time at Clayton State, eligible for an additional honor at graduation. Hours can be earned in any verifiable fashion, including hours earned during community-engaged courses and those in the co-curricular transcript

Next Steps

“Permanent” QEP Committees Implementation Committee Data Committee Advisory Board Memberships on these bodies, with select exceptions, will rotate over the course of the five years of implementation in a staggered fashion to maintain institutional memory. We need STUDENTS for these as well as staff and faculty!

Questions?

THANK YOU!