Quality Enhancement Plan

SGSC 2025 QEP Navigation Guide

As part of South Georgia State College's reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), SGSC is required to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The QEP is a comprehensive, five-year plan designed to enhance the student learning experience across both Douglas and Waycross campuses.

What is the QEP?

QEP stands for Quality Enhancement Plan. To maintain accreditation, SGSC must develop, implement, and complete a QEP as part of its reaffirmation process every ten years.

How was this topic selected?

The topic emerged through a comprehensive planning process involving 109 stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and community partners, at both campuses. SGSC selected experiential learning with strong campus-wide support (51.9% first choice preference, 78.7% beneficial rating).

What is the QEP title?

H.A.W.K.: Hands-On Applied Wisdom and Knowledge

What is the QEP about?

H.A.W.K. focuses on experiential learning through four integrated components:

• Service-learning projects
• Internships
• Undergraduate research
• Leadership and mentoring experiences

The plan provides students with opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts, while developing their personal and professional skills.

What is the goal of the QEP?

The goal of H.A.W.K. is to engage students in meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen their learning, strengthen community engagement, and prepare them for successful careers and engaged citizenship.

What will students learn through their participation in the QEP?

Through H.A.W.K., students will achieve four Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

1. Integration of Academic Knowledge and Real-World Experience: apply classroom theories and concepts to practical settings
2. Development of Collaboration Skills: work effectively in teams through service, research, or workplace activities
3. Career Competencies: develop professional skills, including workplace etiquette, time management, and field-specific competencies
4. Self-Reflection of Personal Growth: evaluate personal strengths, challenges, and professional development

How can students participate in H.A.W.K.?

Students participate in H.A.W.K. through their regular academic programs rather than separate applications. H.A.W.K. experiences are integrated into courses, degree requirements, and program curricula. As the initiative expands to 50% of academic programs by 2029, students will encounter experiential learning opportunities naturally through their coursework, including service-learning projects, internships, research opportunities, and leadership experiences aligned with their academic and career goals.

How can faculty and staff get involved?

Faculty can integrate H.A.W.K. experiences into their courses by submitting a H.A.W.K. Contribution Form, serving as student mentors and supervisors, and participating in professional development workshops on experiential learning. Staff supports H.A.W.K. through student services, community partnership development, and program coordination. Both faculty and staff can join assessment teams, attend conferences, and contribute to the implementation of dual-campus efforts.

How will H.A.W.K. impact the institution and community?

H.A.W.K. will create positive changes beyond individual student learning by:

• Strengthening community partnerships - developing sustainable collaborations with regional businesses and organizations that benefit both students and community partners
• Enhancing institutional engagement - increasing faculty and staff participation in experiential learning while integrating H.A.W.K. components across academic departments
• Improving the student experience - creating higher levels of student satisfaction, engagement, and completion rates through meaningful hands-on learning opportunities

These institutional and community impacts will be measured through partner satisfaction surveys, faculty engagement assessments, and student experience evaluations, ensuring that H.A.W.K. benefits all stakeholders.

How does the QEP impact SGSC's Strategic Plan 2029?

H.A.W.K. directly supports Strategic Plan 2029 goals, particularly career integration, workforce development, and community partnerships. By embedding experiential learning across programs, SGSC will strengthen student success, institutional effectiveness, and regional impact.

What are the intended outcomes of the QEP?

Beyond achieving the four SLOs, H.A.W.K. is designed to:

• Increase student engagement and persistence
• Strengthen faculty development in experiential pedagogy
• Build sustainable community partnerships with a 30% increase in formal collaborations
• Enhance career readiness and workforce alignment for graduates
• Integrate experiential learning into 50% of academic programs by 2029

What is the timeline for the QEP?

H.A.W.K. is a five-year initiative (2025-2030) with three phases:

• Foundation Building (Year 1): staffing, faculty development, pilot programs, and baseline data collection
• Expansion and Integration (Years 2-3): scale programs, integrate into curricula, expand partnerships, implement assessment
• Refinement and Sustainability (Years 4-5): evaluate effectiveness, establish long-term sustainability, and prepare for future accreditation cycles

Who will monitor the QEP?

The H.A.W.K. Coordinator will oversee implementation, supported by the H.A.W.K. Implementation Leadership Team, faculty, and community partners across both campuses. Progress will be monitored through ongoing assessment and reporting.

What was the last QEP?

SGSC's previous QEP focused on Undergraduate Research (2016-2021). It established nine student learning outcomes, developed faculty development programs, and expanded research opportunities, providing the foundation for H.A.W.K.

What actions will be implemented through the QEP?

Over five years, SGSC will:

• Embed experiential learning into at least 50% of academic programs by 2029
• Develop and expand service-learning, internships, and research opportunities across both campuses
• Provide professional development for faculty to facilitate experiential learning
• Establish and grow community partnerships, aiming for a 30% increase in formal collaborations
• Create systematic assessment structures for student, faculty, and partner engagement

How will the QEP be evaluated?

H.A.W.K. will be assessed through multiple measures, including:

• Direct and indirect assessments of all four SLOs (rubrics, surveys, reflection journals)
• Program outcome measures of community, faculty/staff, and student engagement
• Specific success benchmarks: 80% satisfactory student performance, 85% stakeholder satisfaction, and 90% assessment completion rates
• A comprehensive assessment timeline and quality assurance framework to guide continuous improvement

What resources support the QEP?

SGSC has committed specific funding in dedicated resources over five years, including the establishment of the H.A.W.K. Coordinator position, assessment coordination, faculty development, and dual-campus implementation support.

Contact Information

For questions about H.A.W.K., contact QEP@sgsc.edu or visit https://www.sgsc.edu/about/qep