Wanted, $1,000 Reward: Proposals for UK QEP

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2010) — Want to make an impact on the future of the University of Kentucky, and maybe even win $1,000 in the process? Read on.

Last Spring the entire University of Kentucky community was encouraged to submit ideas to improve student learning at UK. This process is part of UK's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and is essential to UK's continuing accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and local leaders responded enthusiastically to the request for broad ideas about how to improve student learning at UK. Over the summer the QEP committee, comprised of faculty, staff and students from across campus, pored over the suggestions, reading each one and determining that the bulk of reponses fell into six major themes: "Developing Engaged Citizenship"; "Expanding Global Awareness and Involvement"; "Fostering a Supportive and Vibrant Campus Culture"; "Enhancing Scholarship: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, and Academic Integrity"; "Advancing 21st Century Teaching and Learning"; and "Navigating Successful Transitions." 

It is now time for members of the UK community to submit proposals based on one (or more) of these six themes. Proposal submission is easy, and only asks that you fill out a simple online form with your specific ideas to improve student learning at UK.  Go to http://www.uky.edu/SACS/QEP_submit.html to learn more about the QEP and to submit your own proposal. Up to 10 proposals will be chosen for further consideration. Those proposals selected for further consideration will be awarded $1,000, and their authors will have the chance to submit their ideas for the final rounds of consideration. Ultimately, one proposal will become the QEP to be implemented at UK over the next three years.

Proposals for the current round of consideration are due by Oct. 1.

For more information on QEP proposal submission, contact QEP faculty leaders, Diane Snow and Deanna Sellnow. For general information on reaffirmation of SACS accreditation at UK, contact Jennifer A. Skaggs, UK SACS program director.