QEP Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes: QEP Committee

1. Welcome and Background
   • Sandy Holbrook opened the meeting by reviewing the QEP committee’s formation, initiated by Dr. Lambert, and the appointment of Sandy as chair.
   • Surveys were distributed to stakeholders via multiple platforms (KCTCS app, Facebook, SE webpage, Blackboard) to gather input on QEP topics.
   • Student focus groups helped identify career development and essential skills as the central QEP theme.
2. Committee Structure and Team Assignments
   • Chair/Co-Chair: Sandy Holbrook / Sherri Clark
   • Action Plan: Sandy, Sherri, Collin Grubb, Wendy Wright
   • Assessment: Sandy, Dr. Razor, Dr. Mason
   • Budget: Paul Bryant, Keisha Hunt, Deborah Young, Leslie Carmack
   • Data Collection: Sandy, Dr. Mason, Ryland Pope
   • Internal College Data Collection: Sissy, Crystal, Heather, Shana
   • Literature Review: Tami Brock, Sherri, Lynn Cox, Jamie Jones, student rep Kara
   • Internal Review: Dr. Conover, Denise, Evelyn Sexton
   • External Review: Dr. Ken Tucker (Mountain Empire), Dr. Sherry Clavier (ETSU)
   • QEP Evaluator: TBD
3. Review of Other QEPs and Best Practices
   • Institutions reviewed: Ashland, Gateway, Hazard, ACTC, GCTC, Spelman, Georgia State.
   • Focus areas included soft skills, career development, delivery methods, and budget structures.
   • Discussion on embedding QEP content in courses like FYE 105, CIT 105, and English 101.
   • Concerns raised about dual credit students and recent curriculum changes affecting course applicability.
4. Budget Considerations
   • Keisha Hunt presented research on potential budget items:
   • Personnel (career coaches, advisors)
   • Professional development
   • Curriculum enhancements
   • Employer engagement
   • Marketing and facilities
   • Discussion on avoiding creation of new positions due to budget constraints; stipend-based roles preferred.
5. QEP Goals and Essential Skills
   • Draft overarching goal: Prepare students for college and career success through career development and the development of transferable and durable employability skills applicable to both the classroom and workforce.
   • Key skills identified: Communication, Critical Thinking, Professionalism, Collaboration
   • Discussion on terminology: “soft skills” vs. “durable” or “transferable” skills.
   • Reference to Kentucky Graduate Profile’s 10 Essential Skills.
6. Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Assessment Ideas
   • Examples discussed:
   • Students articulate career paths and reflect on experiences.
   • Participation in internships or informational interviews.
   • Demonstration of soft skills in simulations.
   • Career development plans and skill identification.
   • Emphasis on measurable outcomes and integration into existing courses and programs.
7. Assignments and Deadlines
   • Literature Review Team: Draft 3–5 page review on essential skills and career development by September 19.
   • Action Plan & Goals Team: Draft sub-goals and SLOs by September 19.
   • All drafts to be emailed to Sandy for committee-wide review.
8. QEP Naming Contest
   • Proposed name: PATH – Professional Advancement Through Habits
   • Students to submit and vote on names via QR code.
   • Incentives: Two $100 Amazon gift cards (one for submission, one for voting), pending approval from Paul Bryant and system office.
   • Rick Mason to create the submission form; Sandy Holbrook to provide a descriptive blurb.
9. Student Engagement and Accreditation Awareness
   • Emphasis on educating students about accreditation and the QEP process.
   • Suggestions:
   • Include QEP info in course syllabi.
   • Promote through campus events and orientations.
10. Closing Remarks
    • Sandy emphasized the collaborative nature of the QEP process and encouraged ongoing feedback.
    • Acknowledged the complexity of the task but affirmed the committee’s progress and commitment.