What is QEP?
The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a formal five-year strategy that focuses on improving specific student learning outcomes and/or student success as a component of the reaffirmation process required by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The chosen topic of Smart Start reflects and affirms Dallas College’s commitment to enhance the overall institutional quality for some of our most vulnerable populations, supporting not only our mission and vision but the futures of our students.
What is our topic?
The Dallas College QEP topic focuses on a Smart Start First Year Experience Program, which is designed to provide students with the necessary tools, resources and experiences to ensure a successful first year in their academic journey.
By focusing on program and services such as New Student Orientation, a first-year experience course, intentional English and math academic supports, career-aligned program of study selection, as well as fostering quality first-year connections, we aim to meet the goals outlined in the QEP.
These components are carefully structured to support students in their transition to college, help them develop essential skills, and establish connections that will contribute to their academic and personal growth throughout their first year and beyond.
Smart Start
- New Student Orientation
- First-year experience course and success planning
- Career-aligned program of study selection
- English and math academic support
- Meaningful first-year connections and community
How will we measure success?
Goal 1: Improve FTIC student academic success.
- Objective 1.1: Increase FTIC course success rates.
- Objective 1.2: Increase first-to-second year retention rates.
- Objective 1.3: Increase utilization of tutoring/supplemental instruction services.
Goal 2: Increase FTIC student engagement during their first year of college.
- Objective 2.1: Increase the number of FTIC participants in a redesigned New Student Orientation (NSO).
- Objective 2.2: Increase the number of FTIC students who meet with a success coach.
- Objective 2.3: Increase the FTIC utilization rate of Dallas College services and resources.
Goal 3: Improve FTIC student career and academic planning.
- Objective 3.1 Increase the number of FTIC students who have selected a career pathway-aligned program of study by the end of their first semester.
- Objective 3.2: Increase the number of students engaging in career-connected inquiry activities.
- Objective 3.3: Increase the number of FTIC students completing a success plan.