Understanding AQIP (Academic Quality Improvement Project) Some slides and/or information have been borrowed with permission from their originators: 1. JoAnn Simser Office of the Chancellor, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Minnesota State Colleges and Universities 2. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

PEAQ & AQIP The HLC offers two programs continued for achieving continued accreditation. Program to Evaluate & Advance Quality AQIP

AQIP or PEAQ? An Institutional Choice Reasons for AQIP Institutional:  Culture for change  Strategic planning initiatives  Alignment with Accrediting Bodies  Credibility outside education  Involvement with quality initiatives  Leadership in Education Reasons for PEAQ  Initial accreditation (less than 2 cycles)  Probation  Institutional:  Traditional credibility  Cultural  Lack of buy-in  Financial resources  Governance change  Leadership change  Mission

PEAQ Preparing for the Future Student Learning & Effective Teaching Acquisition, Discovery, & Application of Knowledge Mission & Integrity Engagement & Service Future-oriented Learning-focused Connected Distinctive

AQIP 10 Principles of High Performance Oraganizations + 9 AQIP Categories:

AQIP Continuous Improvement Process  Focuses on Results – Not procedures or organizational structure  Goal Oriented – Encourages flexible approaches  Common Vision – Fosters understanding and communications  Aligns all Resources – Supports innovation & diversity

Step #1 Explore the AQIP Option  Learn about AQIP, continuous improvement, and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award  Visit  Talk to (or ) an AQIP staff person  Talk to (or ) an AQIP institution  Hold campus discussions about AQIP

Step #2 The Application Process  Hold a phone conference with Steve Spangehl  Conduct an organizational self- assessment  AQIP has two instruments (Vital Focus and AQIP Examiner)  Complete a formal application

After Joining AQIP Attend a Strategy Forum within one year of acceptance.  Choose three or four Actions Projects to complete  Learn how to prepare a Systems Portfolio (due 4 yrs. after admission)  The cycle repeats itself every 4 years

A sample Systems Portfolio is on- line at plus links to 20 actual Systems Portfolios

The Systems Portfolio is a page public document describing fundamental institutional processes and systems. The Results We Get How We Do Things How We Drive Improvement

It covers the nine AQIP Categories and provides evidence that the institution continues to meet the HLC’s five Criteria for Accreditation

Created once over the first four years with AQIP, it is continually updated to reflect changes in the institution's systems and processes.

Systems Appraisal  Performed every four years by trained and experienced reviewers knowledgeable about quality improvement.  Provides confirmation of strengths and guidance on improvement opportunities.

Separate independent and consensus review stages ensure feedback that represents the team’s shared view of institutional strengths and improvement opportunities 1 2

The blind review process focuses institutional attention on the feedback itself — rather than the reviewers The blind review process focuses institutional attention on the feedback itself — rather than the reviewers

higher education, enhancing the review’s credibility. The appraisal panel includes representation from outside

The valuable professional feedback report includes:  Summary rubrics (for public information)  Confidential, detailed, actionable comments and explanations (for institutional benefit and improvement)

Quality Checkup Site Visit  Two or more evaluators for two or more days on campus  Evaluators read Systems Appraisal Feedback Report, HLC’s internal Organizational Profile, and an institution report to AQIP  Normally occurs in the three year period prior to an organization’s scheduled Reaffirmation of Accreditation (every 7 years).

Quality Checkup Visit Goals Affirm accuracy of online Systems Portfolio and verify information in the portfolio Review with leaders Action Projects and strategies to capitalize on strengths and opportunities for improvement Assure organization’s continued quality improvement commitment Confirm compliance with accreditation expectations and provide counsel on issues that require immediate attention Review and update the relationship between the institution and the Commission

Q & A