How Would You Improve Learning at UK?

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 26, 2010) - The University of Kentucky needs your advice.
 
As UK prepares to reaffirm its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the institution is required to initiate a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Every institution accredited by SACS must complete a QEP focused on "improving student learning or the environment for student learning."
 
More than a requirement for accreditation, however, the QEP is an opportunity.
 
"I view this as a transformational moment, providing us the opportunity to harness the innovation and creativity alive and well in all corners of this campus to create a more dynamic university," said UK President Lee T. Todd Jr.
 
"We do not intend to design this QEP simply because it is a SACS requirement. This process provides us the opportunity to engage the entire university community in a healthy and open conversation about the future of education at UK."
 
The first stage of the QEP process involves soliciting ideas from every segment of the UK community – students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and community supporters alike. Everyone is encouraged to submit ideas regarding how UK can improve student learning outcomes or the environment for student learning. No idea is too big or too small. This preliminary information-gathering stage will allow the QEP Topic Selection Team – a committee made of up representatives from every segment of campus – to spot the major themes important to the UK community.
 
Idea submissions are encouraged through the spring 2010 and summer 2010 semesters. In fall 2010, the QEP Topic Selection Team will report back to the campus the “emerging themes” – those ideas that seem to come up frequently in idea submissions. At this point, members of the campus community will be invited to submit pre-proposals outlining how their ideas might actually be implemented. Submitters whose ideas are chosen as finalists for the QEP topic selection will each receive a $1,000 honorarium to further develop their proposal. Future communications from the QEP team and President Todd will outline these processes in depth.
 
To submit a QEP idea, visit http://www.uky.edu/QEP/submit.html.
 
Once a QEP topic is selected, the university will enter the exciting phase of implementation.
 
That brings us back to the request for advice. Right now, QEP organizers are seeking ideas. The QEP is a chance to make a great university even better. In the weeks and months ahead, you will hear more about the development of the QEP. The QEP Topic Selection Team has been charged with gathering input and feedback from across the UK community.
 
"It is my belief that if this QEP is going to be successful – and I am confident it will be – that we need to hear from all of our stakeholders. Whether you are a current student, a faculty or staff member, an alumnus, or the parent of a future student, we want your input and feedback," said Todd.
 
For more information on QEP and what it means to UK – or to request a presentation on QEP for your department or unit – visit http://www.uky.edu/QEP/.