QEP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a QEP and why is NC State developing one?
A: The QEP is an action research project to enhance student success and is developed by NC State faculty, staff, students and administrators.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) requires each university to have a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) as part of the reaffirmation of accreditation process, which NC State is scheduled for in 2024.
Q: What is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)?
A: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices among the diverse institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Latin America and other international sites approved by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
Q: How will SACSCOC evaluate the QEP?
A: At the time of the reaffirmation process, the QEP will be evaluated on its focus, our institutional capability and commitment to implement the plan, our assessment plan, and the level of campus involvement in developing the plan. After the implementation period, NC State is required to provide an impact report to SACSCOC as part of the Fifth-Year Interim Report. External evaluators will use a rubric (SACSCOC QEP Evaluation Rubric) to inform their decision about whether the QEP is acceptable.
Q: Does the new QEP need to go through system-level approval processes?
A: No, the QEP is an NC State specific initiative that does not require system level approval.
Q: What are the elements of the QEP, and what constitutes a good QEP?
A: The QEP should be clear and concise and include the following basic elements:
- A concise descriptive title
- A topic that is relevant to the long-term improvement of student success with data and researching to justify why the topic was selected
- Goals for specific student success outcomes to be accomplished by the end of the plan
- Evidence that the QEP development process engaged all appropriate NC State constituencies
- Consideration of research, data and best practices within the area related to the QEP’s topic
- A logical implementation plan that includes necessary human and financial resources and a structure with detailed timelines, leadership responsibilities and resource allocation
- An aligned assessment plan that includes a detailed assessment schedule identifying both academic and administrative roles and responsibilities
- A comprehensive plan for evaluating the QEP’s effectiveness, with flexibility to make adjustments to achieve student success outcomes
Q: How are students involved in the selection, design and implementation of the QEP?
A: Undergraduate and graduate students serve on the QEP Proposal Review Team as well as the SACSCOC Reaffirmation Steering Committee.
Q: When will the QEP be implemented?
A: NC State will implement their next QEP over a 5-year period from Fall 2023 – Spring 2028.
Q: What is the budget for the QEP?
A: There is not a set budget for the QEP, however, NC State is committed to dedicating the resources necessary to plan for, implement and evaluate a QEP that advances success for all NC State students. Proposals will further detail the specific time, material, human, financial and other resources necessary for effective QEP implementation, evaluation and reporting.
Q: Who is involved in the QEP proposal development and implementation process?
A: The QEP is a collaborative effort among NC State faculty, staff, students and administrators throughout the development and implementation processes. The QEP Planning Team is responsible for the proposal and topic selection process and the QEP Advisory and Implementation Teams will oversee the development of specific initiatives, activities and evaluation plans. The QEP process is supported by NC State’s SACSCOC Steering Committee, which is co-chaired by Provost Arden and Dr. Fashaad Crawford, Vice Provost of Assessment and Accreditation.
Q: Who will benefit from the QEP?
A: Undergraduate students will be the primary beneficiaries of the QEP. However, graduate students, faculty, and staff can also benefit through the development of new programs as well as through the expansion of existing programs or additional research opportunities to enhance success for all students.
Q: Will NC State’s next QEP continue to focus on the previous QEP topic (critical, creative, and reflective thinking skills)?
A: While NC State’s previous QEP focused on student learning initiatives, the next QEP will focus on student success more broadly.