The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a core requirement of the accreditation process administered by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It is a carefully designed course of action that addresses a well-defined topic or issue emerging from institutional assessment and focuses on enhancing student learning. The QEP supports the mission and is consistent with the strategic plan of the institution.
"Fostering Personal and Social Responsibility through Experiential Learning" is the topic of Barry's QEP. In their evaluation of our QEP, the SACSCOC On-Site Committee concluded that it was an exciting idea and an ambitious program that would build on the solid foundation already in place at Barry.
The QEP Implementation Committee was appointed in September 2014 and has done considerable work on the development and initial implementation of the QEP action plan. Let me take this opportunity to thank members of the Committee for all they have done so far and to reaffirm the University’s commitment to making Plan implementation a real success.
We are now prepared to move forward with an even more robust implementation of the QEP, which will involve broader University participation in the implementation process. Indeed, this is a process that can move our University into a future characterized by creative, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences for our students.
With that in mind, I am pleased to make the following announcements:
- Dr. Glenn Bowen has been promoted to Executive Director of the Center for Community Service Initiatives (CCSI) and will assume the responsibilities of QEP Director. Glenn served on Barry’s QEP Development Committee and is a member of the Implementation Committee. He has served on SACSCOC On-Site and Off-Site Review Committees and has been a Lead QEP Evaluator for the Commission. As QEP Director, Glenn will report to Dr. Kit Starratt, Vice Provost, who coordinates the University's compliance with SACSCOC standards. In his larger CCSI role, Glenn will continue to report to Dr. Karen Callaghan, Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Studies.
- Dr. Karen Callaghan will continue to serve as Chair of the QEP Implementation Committee.
- Liz James, Experiential Learning Coordinator, will continue in her current position.
- Isabel Benavides, Administrative Assistant III in the College of Arts and Sciences, will provide administrative support for the QEP assessment process.
- A Graduate Assistant will be hired and will function as QEP Project Assistant.
- Members of the QEP Implementation Committee are as follows: Dr. Maria Alvarez (Student Affairs), Dr. Glenn Bowen (CCSI), Dr. Sean Buckreis (Education), Dr. Karen Callaghan (Undergraduate Studies), Dr. Nichole Castater (Business), Dr. Nickesia Gordon (Communication), Dr. Pamela Hall (Psychology), Dr. Tamara Hamilton (Physical Sciences), Dr. Larry Perez (Student Affairs), Dr. Victor Romano (Sociology & Criminology), Dr. Mureen Shaw (Nursing & Health Sciences), Dr. Lauren Tashman (Nursing & Health Sciences), Dr. Leticia Vega (Biology), Dr. Tony Wallner (Arts & Sciences), Dr. Joanne Whelley (Social Work), and Dr. Jennifer Williams (Social Work).
By early February, various details of the QEP implementation process will be shared with the campus community. Please be prepared to support this important effort as we work together to enhance student learning with the hallmarks of personal and social responsibility that are embodied within Barry's Mission, Core Commitments, and Academic Vision.
Thank you.
John D. Murray, PhD
Provost