Background: Under SACS accreditation procedures, institutions prepare a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for the engagement of the institution in an attempt to improve the quality of its efforts, with a particular focus on the improvement of student learning. According to The Principles of Accreditation, “The Commission on Colleges expects institutions to dedicate themselves to enhancing the quality of their programs and services within the context of their missions, resources, and capacities, and creating an environment in which teaching, research, and learning occurs.” SACS guidelines state that:

• The QEP must include a description of specific goals related to student learning and strategies for evaluating the success of planned initiatives. • Development of a QEP should be regarded as a tool for institutional improvement and an opportunity to think creatively about ways to target student learning within the context of the institution’s mission. • The QEP should reflect “best practices” as indicated in the research literature related to the theme selected. • The QEP will be implemented over a 5-year period, with regular progress reports submitted to the Commission on Colleges.