QEP

Q: What does QEP stand for?

A: QEP stands for Quality Enhancement Plan.

Q: What is a QEP?

A: A Quality Enhancement Plan is a long-term project designed to improve student learning. All institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) develop a QEP in accordance with the following guidelines. The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). . .is a document developed by the institution that:

  1. includes a process identifying key issues emerging from institutional assessment,
  2. focuses on learning outcomes and/or the environment supporting student learning and accomplishing the mission of the institution,
  3. demonstrates institutional capability for the initiation, implementation, and completion of the QEP,
  4. includes broad-based involvement of institutional constituencies in the development and proposed implementation of the QEP, and
  5. identifies goals and a plan to assess their achievement.[1]

Q: What is UNC Charlotte’s QEP?

A: Prospect for Success is the current UNC Charlotte QEP. Prospect’s goal is to increase the depth and the extent of students’ engagement with their education. All first-time, full-time freshmen have the opportunity to enroll in a Prospect course with a dedicated engagement curriculum, including academic work, integrated advising, and partnerships with campus organizations.

The planning process for Prospect for Success began in fall 2010, with a comprehensive analysis of UNC Charlotte’s needs involving many stakeholders including faculty, administration, students and staff. The full proposal was presented to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools—Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in March 2013. The university began a three-year implementation cycle in fall 2013, when about half all eligible freshmen were enrolled in Prospect courses. By fall 2015, that figure is projected to be over 90%.

For more information, please visit Prospect for Success’ dedicated website.

[1] From The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations of Quality Enhancement 5th edition (SACSCOC 2012), pp. 7-8.