SGALeonardClemmons10-13-2005.pdf) At its November meeting, the SGA endorsed its own list of possible topics for a QEP and submitted them to the SACS co-liaisons. Their proposals focused upon (1) increasing student engagement in learning, (2) strengthening the curriculum, and (3) enhancing the campus academic climate. (Link to SGA_QEP_Proposals.pdf)

In 2006 University President Dr. Mary Sias appointed two committees that, although not intended to work on selecting a QEP, nevertheless provided much useful research and several recommendations in their reports that aided in the selection of a topic. These were the Developmental Education Committee, formed in February, and the Student Success and Retention Task Force, appointed at the beginning of the fall semester. Both committees were formed to address important educational issues and campus practices that affected student academic performance and persistence at the University. The specific findings and recommendations of those committees are discussed below.

QEP Selection Committee

As described in section II, the QEP Selection Committee organized a QEP proposal contest during the spring of 2007. Open to all faculty, staff, and students of KSU, the proposal-writing contest, the Committee believed, would help the University community identify a topic in light of the previous discussions. For the purposes of providing additional guidance to the writers of proposals, the Committee reviewed and reformulated the leading topics around six themes:

  • Evaluate and strengthen curricula to better prepare students for graduate school and employment
  • Improve the academic climate for students through raising University standards in course ofterings and programs
  • Improve student learning through better coordination between general education and the remedial program
  • Raise student achievement through better advising (placing emphasis on the freshman year experience)
  • Improve student learning through the development of shared common experiences

Strengthen the general education program as a means to improving student learning

Writers of proposals were also encouraged to put forward a different theme if they believed it appropriate and could defend it.

The QEP committee received and evaluated five short proposals, submitted by seven faculty and staff members, in June:

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