Open Meetings Spring 2014 Partnering Academics and Community Engagement (PACE)

WHAT is a QEP ? A Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a statement of what we will be doing over the next five years to improve some aspect of student learning Aligned with institutional objectives, planning, and priorities Required for our reaffirmation of SACS Accreditation

FOCUS

Our QEP’s Focus Partnering Academics and Community Engagement (PACE) Focus is on student engagement through community projects that enhance learning Related to service learning Projects will be level-appropriate and aligned specifically with course/curricular outcomes Across the disciplines Core through upper division

“What’s in it for students?” Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities Enhanced self efficacy, appreciation of diversity Applications of higher-order thinking tasks Increases in civic engagement and a sense of citizenship Enhanced social responsibility Concrete experience with disciplinary subject matter

“What’s in it for faculty?” Support for community engagement within courses Training opportunities Community Engagement Academy Funding Opportunities Professional Development Opportunities Scholarship Conference Travel funds

Action Plan for PACE Our Action Plan for PACE stems from community engagement literature (Bringle & Hatcher, 1996): Planning activities Awareness activities Prototype activities Resource activities Expansion activities Research and Recognition activities Monitoring and Evaluation activities

“Responsible Parties” Process Development QEP Chair QEP Steering Committee QEP Executive Committee QEP Pilot Committee QEP Assessment Committee Implementation QEP Director QEP Implementation Committee Data Committee Advisory Board

Which classes (and when)? 5-year implementation (Fall 2014-Spring 2019) Fall 2014 CSU 1022 sections Spring 2015 Sections of selected Core classes Fall 2015 Continue CSU 1022, Core, add Upper Division classes Rest of 5-year rollout Continue to expand and grow courses

But what else? Student Mentor Teams/Team Leaders Focused specifically on mentoring students in PACE courses Community Engagement Conference Midway through the 5 year rollout, host a regional Community Engagement Conference at Clayton State Highlight the work that has been done in academic community Students, faculty, and community partners present Continued training and professional development

But what else? Merit Badges To help students highlight and document course- related projects and experiences; merit badge can be received upon successful completion of a course project Graduation recognition 200 or more community service hours over their time at Clayton State, eligible for an additional honor at graduation Hours can be earned in any verifiable fashion, including hours earned during community-engaged courses and those in the co-curricular transcript

Next Steps

“Permanent” QEP Committees Implementation Committee Data Committee Advisory Board Memberships on these bodies, with select exceptions, will rotate over the course of the five years of implementation in a staggered fashion to maintain institutional memory. We need representation from students, staff, faculty, AND the community!

Questions?

THANK YOU!