What is the Time Line for Selecting and Developing the SMU QEP?
SMU should plan to submit its QEP to SACS by December 1, 2010.

This date flows from the accreditation timeline. The SACS reaccreditation process will take place during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Thus, SMU’s work—on both its reaccreditation report and on the QEP—will take place during 2009 through 2010.

The QEP must be submitted four to six weeks in advance of the on-site review in early 2011.

What are the Steps of the SMU Selection Process?

In Spring 2009, SMU initiated the process for a broad dialogue about selecting a topic for the SMU QEP

Specifically:

• This Website has been created to serve as a source of continuing information about the status of the QEP, resources relating to QEPs, and submission of comments and proposals relating to the QEP.
  
  
• In the Spring of 2009, a call for Topic Concept papers relating to possible QEP topics was issued to all members of the university community.   A letter from the Provost to all faculty and staff invited them to submit Topic Concept Papers. 
  
  
• By the end of summer 2009, a Topic Selection Committee will be formed.  The Committee will consist of faculty members from each school, a student representative, and representatives from student support and learning units involved in student learning outcomes. 
  
  
• At the start of the Fall 2009 semester, various groups will be convened to discuss and give feedback on possible QEP topics.   The groups will be asked for feedback about the Topic Concepts that already have been submitted.  In addition, the groups will be asked for suggestions growing out of, or in addition to, the topics already submitted.  These groups conversations will include the Faculty Senate, Student Senate, Deans, Associate Deans, Chairs, Academic Advisors, Center for Teaching Excellence, Registrar and Records Officers, International Office, Office of the Chaplain, Residential Life and Student Housing, and groups within the Division of Student Life.
  
  
• After receiving input from these meetings, from several town hall meetings, and from input on the web log relating to QEP topics, the selection committee will recommend the focus for the SMU QEP.  At that point, planning grants might be issued to those who might participate in more detailed development of the identified topic.

Members of the QEP Selection Committee

Dr. Troy Behrens, Assistant VP for Student Affairs

Professor Shelly Berg, Meadows School of the Arts

Elizabeth Corey, Junior

Professor Julie Forrester, School of Law

Professor Donna Gober, Simmons School of Education and Human Development

Professor David Lei, Cox School of Business

Professor Monnie McGee, Dedman College

Professor Rebekah Miles, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics

Dr. Karen De Olivares, Advising

Professor Ellen S. Pryor, Associate Provost, ex officio

Tinsley Silcox, Head of Public Services Central University Libraries

Professor Mitch Thornton, Lyle School of Engineering

Marc Valerin, Staff Association

Dr. Lisa Webb, Dean of Student Life


QEP Blog

We encourage comments on the QEP. Comments might include suggestions about topics, ideas about implementation, and any other materials relating to the SMU QEP.