Small College, Big Plan: Strategies for Developing a Successful QEP

Chris Orem, Ph.D.Lynn McAllister, RN, MSN

Core Requirement 2.12The institution has developed an acceptable Quality Enhancement Plan that includes an

institutional process for identifying key issues emerging from institutional assessment and focuses on learning outcomes and/or the

environment supporting student learning and accomplishing the mission of the institution.

Comprehensive Standard 3.3.2

The institution has developed a Quality Enhancement Plan that (1) demonstrates institutional capability for the initiation,

implementation, and completion of the QEP; (2) includes broad-based involvement of

institutional constituencies in the development and proposed implementation of the QEP; and (3) identifies goals and a plan to assess their

achievement.

What it boils down to…

Institutional Process

(2.12)

Focus of the Plan (2.12)

Institutional Capability

(3.3.2)

Broad-based Involvement

(3.3.2)

Assessment (3.3.2)

Develop SLOs

Identify the Topic

Research the Topic Identify Actions Establish

Timeline

Determine Roles

Identify Resources

Determine Assessment

Write the QEP

Some Background:

• Maintain a focus on learning• It’s about the problems, not

solutions• Look to expand current

initiatives• Involve as many constituents as

possibleIdentify the

Topic

•Limited population to generate ideas, committeesIdentify

the Topic

Small College

Issue

• Utilize surveys to generate ideas

• Develop a preliminary topic committee

• Transition into a steering committee

Identify the Topic

Solution!

•Should have focused more on data rather than surveys

Identify the Topic

Time M

achine

Moment

•Use focus groups to identify themes

•Have one person draft outcomes first

•Keep assessment in mind

Develop SLOs

Creating An Institutional Process and Building College Buy-In :

Perspectives from a Faculty Member

•Research includes more than literature

•Consider a committee of faculty/staff with research experience

Research the Topic

•We identified solutions, then did research to support decisions

Research the Topic

Time M

achine

Moment

• Use research findings to flesh out the “solutions.”

• Be sure to address the SLOs• Don’t make QEP too

complex• Consider institutional

capability Identify the Actions

•Consider roll outs•Doesn’t end at impact report

•Consider piloting during visit

Establish a Timeline

•Limited resources can make full-scale implementation challenging

Establish Timeline

Small College

Issue

Piloting the QEP:

Perspectives from a Participating Program Head

•New position or redistribute roles?

• Institutional capacity should support decision

Determine Roles

• Limited budgets and staff required a redistribution of roles

Determine Roles

Small College

Issue

• Increased salary of existing administrator to become QEP director

Determine Roles

Solution

• If there is a concern that someone might get overloaded, it’s not without reason.

Determine Roles

Time M

achine

Moment

• Don’t break the bank• Think sustainability• Consider growth• Include detailed costs

Identify Resources

• Budgets are often limited• Pressure to “Impress”

Identify Resources

Small College

Issue

• Put ego aside and created budget that fit our current financial situation• Sacrificed in some areas to afford top priorities

Identify Resources

Solution

• Don’t overdo it• Appropriate to SLO• Include timelines• Get some baseline data

Determine Assessment

• Consider one writer• Use outline from “Handbook”• Focus information about five compliance areas• Use evaluative QEP rubric as a guide

Write the QEP

Keeping the Momentum Going:

Perspectives of a Vice President

Thank you and Good Luck!

Chris Oremcorem@dslcc.edu

Lynn McAllisterlmcallister@dslcc.edu