WHAT IS THE QEP?
The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a five-year action and implementation plan that will enhance student learning and further strengthen GSU’s educational model.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) notes that developing a QEP as a part of the reaffirmation process is an opportunity for the institution to enhance overall institutional quality and effectiveness on an issue or issues the institution considers important to improving student learning.
The QEP manuscript is written by a team at the institution that has researched and identified key issues recognized through institutional assessment which focuses on student learning outcomes, or supporting student learning all of which must be directed at accomplishing the institution’s mission. The institution must prove it is capable of initiating, implementing and completing the QEP. GSU’s QEP 2020 focuses on improving the oral communication skills of its graduates.
WHY ARE WE WRITING A QEP?
Every 10 years, all regionally accredited colleges and universities engage in the renewal of their institution’s accreditation. A key portion of the reaffirmation process is the development and submission of a QEP to SACSCOC.
The Quality Enhancement Plan is required by Standard 7.2 as part of the SACSCOC compliance report. The institution must have a QEP that (a) has a topic identified through its ongoing, comprehensive planning and evaluation processes, (b) has broad-based support of institutional constituencies, (c) focuses on improving specific student learning outcomes and/or student success, (d) commits resources to initiate, implement, and complete the QEP, and (e) includes a plan to assess achievement.
The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), Elevating Oral Communication to the Top of the Class: Speak On It…., provides GSU the opportunity to focus direct attention on a leading soft skill required of college graduates and by prospective employers across industries and sectors. The intentional infusion of specific oral communications-based learning outcomes delivered in the University College’s First Year Experience 101 and 102 courses, will establish a clear framework for broad impact in key areas of competency and student learning.
The QEP’s overarching goal is:
To produce effective, competent, and confident oral communicators.
This goal includes four (4) student learning outcomes (SLOs) and focuses on the integration of the SLOs in the University College First Year Experience curriculum. This component will establish foundational skill building and awareness related to speaking and presentation skills among the freshman population. Specific and collaborative co-curricular activities are also included in this component.
QEP Goal: To produce effective, competent, and confident oral communicators.
SLO 1: Students will identify their apprehension as related to oral communication
SLO 2: Students will use key delivery oral communication techniques (i.e. maintain eye contact, vocal variety, use of appropriate gestures, etc.)
SLO 3: Students will identify appropriate presentation styles by audience. (setting, audience types)
SLO 4: Students will develop and execute speeches.
