SACS as an opportunity to advance library programs

The University of Miami QEPASERL

Williamsburg, April 2009

Library involvement in University-wide reaffirmation planning

• Dean on SACS Leadership Group

• Deputy University Librarian on QEP Planning Committee

• Dean on QEP Implementation Committee

Understanding the reaffirmation process and QEP development

Attend the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges

Annual Conference in Atlanta5-8 December

University of Miami’s SACS documentation:

www.miami.edu/sacs

Miami’s QEP

• Communication across the Curriculum

– Extend the scope of information acquisition and communication of knowledge in the undergraduate experience through:

• Faculty development• Infrastructure upgrades• Introduction of QEP enhanced courses

Miami’s QEP

• Focus on Technology and Information literacy

• Use of new media

• Focus on oral presentation skills

• “Visual, aural and written modes of expression will be combined in the form of online and interactive projects.”

Miami’s QEP

“The best-laid plans of mice and men/ often go awry”

• QEP’s focus was actually faculty development

• QEP lacked specificity in selection and assessment of proposed Faculty Teaching Fellowships

• Focus on new media and oral communications was too broad

During campus visit, the Reaffirmation Committee recommended:

Revised QEP

• Focuses on Faculty Development

• Establishes Faculty Learning Communities

• Narrows initial focus to digital technology and information literacy concepts

Faculty Learning Communities to enhance undergraduate education;

with an initial focus on information, communication, and technology literacy

Miami FLCs

• Weekly meeting based in Library• Focus on Information and Communication

Literacy (ICT)

• Assessment through iSkills exam

• Developing new media courses (must teach three time over next five years)