Awards

Overview

Florida Institute of Technology has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) since 1964. In 2003, SACS began to require each college and university to develop an acceptable Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). This QEP “describes a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses a well defined topic or issue(s) directly related to enhancing student learning” (SACS, 2005).

The purpose of a QEP is to enhance student learning in all undergraduate programs in a manner that is consistent with the university’s mission, heritage, and recognized strengths. For years, Florida Tech has emphasized the relationships among research, teaching, and learning. As a result, the theme selected for our QEP is “scholarly inquiry.” To accommodate the various forms of scholarly inquiry, our QEP allows for design projects, research, and investigations undertaken as part of pre-professional internships. Thus, our QEP is designed to “develop a climate and culture of scholarly inquiry for all undergraduates regardless of major” (Florida Tech QEP, 2005).

More about our QEP and its implementation.

What the QEP Means to ...

Prospective and Current Florida Tech Undergraduates: With support from faculty members, you will have at least one opportunity, individually or in a team, to plan, undertake, and report on a form of scholarly inquiry in an area of your own choosing within the QEP course(s) in your degree program.

Parents of Florida Tech Students: Your student will have an opportunity to test their ability to apply what they have been learning at Florida Tech by engaging in a culminating scholarly project that will help prepare them for their career.

Employers of Florida Tech Graduates: You will have greater opportunities to recruit and hire graduates who possess substantial subject-matter knowledge, as well as relevant experience in applying that knowledge, along with enhanced communication skills and problem-solving strategies, in real-world settings.

Florida Tech Faculty: You will receive support for and benefit from participation in a variety of QEP activities that may include: teaching, reviewing, and improving prerequisite and QEP-designated courses; coaching students engaged in scholarly projects; and supporting course-based and outside assessment of student learning apparent in QEP projects.