What is QEP
The QEP is one of the integral components of CNU’s reaffirmation of accreditation process through our accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Requiring CNU to have a QEP serves as a way for our accreditors to ensure that we continue to grow our commitment to enhancing our quality and effectiveness in the realm of student learning and/or success.
A QEP must be focused within the bounds of improving specific student learning outcomes and/or student success. These areas are defined broadly by SACSCOC, but our focus must be targeted within those areas.
A QEP has 5 key elements:
- Topic identified through our ongoing, comprehensive planning and evaluation processes
- This means we examine institutional data to determine what we already do well, and where there are gaps; it also means we consider the overarching direction of CNU, such as the Strategic Compass, and our liberal arts mission.
- Broad-based support of institutional constituencies (stakeholders)
- This means the QEP involves a collaborative process that spans stakeholders within the campus community, and focuses on a topic that is deemed worthy by a sizeable majority of stakeholders.
- Focuses on improving specific student learning outcomes and/or student successes
- Resources committed to initiate, implement, and complete the QEP
- Includes a plan to assess achievement of identified goals and objectives