Open forum set for Jan. 29 to discuss ideas for WCU’s next Quality Enhancement Plan

From a Western Carolina University press release:

Open forum set for Jan. 29 to discuss ideas for WCU’s next Quality Enhancement Plan

CULLOWHEE – Western Carolina University will host a forum open to everyone interested in helping shape the university’s next Quality Enhancement Plan – a plan centered around a single theme to improve the institution and enhance student learning – on Thursday, Jan. 29.

The event will be held in the theater of A.K. Hinds University Center from 10 a.m. to noon.  After a presentation about what a QEP is and how its theme will become a focus campuswide, participants will have the opportunity to suggest and discuss possible topics that could guide the plan.

Sloan Despeaux, chair of the QEP topic selection committee and associate professor of mathematics, said the plan is a critical part of WCU’s application for re-accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. WCU, which has been continuously accredited by the association since 1946, will undergo its next review in 2017.

For each 10-year review, SACSCOC requires that institutions involve the entire campus community in development of a QEP centered around a single well-defined theme that will improve the institution and enhance student learning, said Despeaux. Broad participation in development of WCU’s plan from faculty, staff and students as well as from partners off campus is essential for its successful adoption and implementation, and attending the forum is a great way to take part, she said.

“The forum is open to all community members,” she said. “We will have brief remarks from the chancellor, a short presentation with plenty of time for questions and answers, and an interactive brainstorming activity.”

WCU’s 2007 QEP, titled “Synthesis: A Pathway to Intentional Learning,” sparked a lasting, increased emphasis across programs on engaged learning, said Stephen C. Miller, director of SACSCOC Reaffirmation and associate professor of economics. Engaged learning involves integrating academic activities in the classroom with activities outside the classroom, such as civic or service activities, to help students gain the intellectual and experiential skills necessary to help them achieve their life goals beyond college.

Initiatives that began under the original QEP are now part of the university’s Intentional Learning Plan, said Miller. Through the plan, faculty and staff help students to become more intentional participants in their own learning. Students are guided to better understand their personal aptitudes, abilities, interests, goals and aspirations and to make decisions and take action based on the connections they see between their university experiences and future education and career plans. More information is available at intentionallearning.wcu.edu.

Ideas for topics that could drive WCU’s next QEP can be submitted through Monday, March 16. In April, the QEP topic selection committee will consider the submissions and identify several ideas to develop further. Then this fall, members of the campus community will vote for the idea they believe would most benefit student learning at WCU.

The topic ultimately selected to guide the QEP will need to meaningfully impact student learning experiences; align with WCU’s strategic plan “2020 Vision: Focusing Our Future,” which was designed to guide the institution’s direction and development while strengthening relationships with the communities and regions WCU serves; build on strengths and improve weaknesses at WCU; inspire broad participation and inclusion across the university; and have the potential for measurable results related to student learning.

When complete, the QEP will include goals and clear, measurable outcomes as well as details about how the plan will be implemented, including a timetable of activities and the budget, personnel needs and resources to accomplish implementation of the plan.

The plan will be examined as part of the upcoming SACSCOC review of WCU. Successful reaffirmation of accreditation from the association not only ensures that WCU is offering high-quality programs for students but also is important for reasons such as preserving WCU’s ability to be able to confer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and maintaining eligibility to receive and distribute federal financial aid funds.

For more information about the 2020 strategic plan, visit strategicplan.wcu.edu. For more information about the QEP or how to submit an idea, visit qep.wcu.edu online or contact Despeaux at 828-227-3825.