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QEP Development Phases

Overview

The University of Texas at San Antonio is currently preparing for its Reaffirmation of Accreditation visit in 2010, which will be conducted by the Southern Association of College and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS/COC). One of the requirements of the reaffirmation process is that UTSA develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).

Background

We are preparing for our SACS/Commission on Colleges reaffirmation of accreditation. A critical element of reaccreditation is the development of a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The plan must focus on the improvement of student learning and/or the environment supporting student learning, and must be consistent with the UTSA mission. The development of the QEP requires the broad-based involvement of the university community.

QEP Purpose

The development of the QEP reflects and affirms our commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education and to the principle that student learning is at the heart of our mission. The plan describes a carefully designed and focused course of action to significantly improve or even to transform student learning.

Stages for Development of QEP

A two stage process will be used to select potential topics for the QEP.

1. Pre-Proposals: A short description of the proposed QEP; this will include a brief description of the plan, the way the plan will affect student learning, how the plan is linked to the University Strategic Plan, and resources needed for implementation. The University QEP Committee evaluates the pre-proposals against the criteria described below. The authors of the most promising pre-proposals have been asked to submit full proposals and will be provided a stipend to assist in this process. The pre-proposal structure is discussed below.


2. Final Proposals: Selected pre-proposals will be developed into more detailed plans, that will include:

   • A review of prior research and development,
   • A detailed description of the link to student learning and the assessment of student learning,
   • A detailed evaluation plan that focuses on both evaluation of progress as well as final outcome evaluation, and
   • A detailed list of resources (financial, physical, personnel) that would be required to carry out the plan.

   The final proposals will be presented to the university community electronically as well as through a series of presentations. Feedback will be gathered from the community regarding the proposals. That feedback, as well as detailed evaluation of the degree to which the proposals meet SACS/COC criteria for QEPs will be considered by the QEP Committee. After that evaluation, the QEP Committee will make a recommendation to the University SACS/COC Reaffirmation Leadership Team. The Leadership Team will then make a recommendation to Campus Management Operations (CMO) and the CMO will select the final QEP.