
Quality Initiative Identification and Approval Process
Washburn University entered the new Open Pathways Reaccreditation Model established by the Higher Learning Commission in Year 4 of the phased approach and began the process of identifying a Quality Improvement initiative in 2012 for implementation in the 2013-2014 academic year.
Initial Steps
Discussion among HLC conference participants for the past few years, previous HLC site visit co-chairs, VPAA to determine best approach for choosing and implementing Quality Initiative
Identification of Quality Initiative Coordinator to manage the process as well as a committee to assist with the review process (Spring/Summer 2012)
- Assistant Dean of Academic Outreach identified as Quality Initiative (QI) Coordinator. Provided temporary supplemental stipend for assuming this responsibility.
- Potential Time/Task list developed.
- QI Committee formed. Comprised of representatives from both academic and administrative units on campus (well respected, well known among their colleagues).
Identification of Theme and Funding
- Meetings with President, Executive Staff and Academic Deans to identify relevant themes and budget source (Summer 2012)
- Identified Theme – Excellence in Education, could write to one of three sub themes (see QI web page for more details)
- Student Transitions – Prepare and support students to effectively deal with obstacles to effective learning
- Faculty Transitions – Develop and sustain effective classroom teaching habits/pedagogies
- Technology Competence – Delivery of educational components, access to technology to prepare entrance into work environments, information literacy for students
- President committed $100,000 annually to the quality initiative. Vice President for Academic Affairs reallocated $30,000 annually from existing budget to quality initiative.
Communication Plan
- QI web page created (Summer 2012)
- QI initiative presented to Academic Deans/Directors at summer retreat (Summer 2012)
- All faculty/staff e-mail sent by Vice President for Academic Affairs informing faculty of the Quality Assurance and QI initiatives being undertaken (September 24, 2012)
- Two open meetings for faculty and staff held to introduce both the Quality Assurance and Quality Initiative processes (October, 2012)
- All faculty/staff e-mail sent by QI Coordinator introducing QI and encouraging employees to submit brief initial proposals via online form on QI web page (October 4, 2012)
- E-mail reminders sent by QI Coordinator (October 25, 2012 and November 1, 2012)
- Two faculty and two staff discussion sessions held to solicit input to help inform creation of comprehensive proposals. (October 2012)
- QI web page continuously updated to provide information regarding the initiative and the process plan for project selection (Fall 2012)
Two-Phased Approach
- Phase 1 – Initial Proposals – Due November 1, 2012
- Brief proposal identifying problem or opportunity as related to one of the themes
- Title
- Problem/Opportunity Statement
- Proposal Theme
- Benefits
- Scope/Impact on Institution
- Stakeholders
- Team Members
- Initial proposals available for open viewing due to posting on web page and were available for non-restricted viewing
- 21 initial proposals submitted and reviewed by QI Committee members using rubric
- 5 themes or sub-areas identified:
- Professional Development/Teaching Excellence
- Technology for Learning Enhancement
- Student Support
- Community Engagement
- Scholarly Support
- 5 themes or sub-areas identified:
- Proposals listed by area and posted on QI web page along with results of discussions held with faculty and staff (small group discussions/large group report out). Intended to inform applicants and encourage collaboration in development of high quality comprehensive proposals.
- Brief proposal identifying problem or opportunity as related to one of the themes
- Phase 2 – Comprehensive Proposals – Due March 15, 2013
- Guidelines posted on QI web page
- Narrative
- Overview
- Scope and Significance (25 points)
- Goals and Objectives (25 points)
- Evidence of Commitment/Capacity (25 points)
- Project Timeline (10 points)
- Budget (15 points)
- Detailed Worksheet
- Worksheet Narrative
- 3 comprehensive proposals submitted by deadline
- Narrative
- Guidelines posted on QI web page
Quality Initiative Decision
- Comprehensive proposals reviewed by QI Committee
- Independently reviewed and scored
- Proposals and review scores discussed in meeting April 11, 2013
- Reviewers given final opportunity to revise scores
- Final report and recommendations sent to Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Vice President determined proposal to receive funding and met with all three submitters before announcing quality initiative to be submitted for approval to HLC
- Official HLC QI proposal completed and submitted to HLC (October 7, 2013)
- Notification of HLC Approval (November 15, 2013)
- Creation and Implementation of the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning (C-TEL) effective January 15, 2014
