QEP Topic Proposals: Four Finalists

As we move into the final phase of QEP topic selection, we are asking faculty and staff to review and vote on four potential focus areas that emerged from extensive campus feedback this fall. These topics were not predetermined; they were developed by synthesizing input from town halls, listening sessions, surveys, and small-group conversations across instructional and non-instructional areas.

The purpose of the January vote is not to identify a “perfect” topic, but to determine which focus area offers the strongest foundation for a sustained, institution-wide effort that aligns with GHC’s mission and priorities. Each option reflects real challenges and opportunities identified by the campus community and builds on work already underway.

As you consider the four topics, we encourage you to think about:

• Where you see students struggling most consistently

• Where clearer structures or alignment could improve student success

• Where focused attention could strengthen work already happening across divisions

• What feels most feasible, scalable, and meaningful over the life of the QEP

The final topic will be selected by February 6, allowing the next phase of QEP development to begin with broad campus support and shared ownership.

Career Services and Readiness

The Career Services and Career Readiness QEP would focus on helping students identify pathways, articulate transferable skills, and navigate transitions such as transfer, career advancement, or employment. Grounded in the understanding that all students are preparing for a next step, this QEP frames pathway readiness as a shared student success responsibility rather than the work of a single office. It aligns with the University System of Georgia’s emphasis on career-ready competencies and builds on practices already occurring across courses, advising, and student support. The initiative prioritizes coordination, equity, and sustainability while supporting faculty and staff in making pathway learning more visible and intentional. 

Technology Literacy

The Technology Literacy Quality Enhancement Plan is designed to strengthen students’ digital competence and confidence in using digital tools that support academic success, workplace readiness, and lifelong learning. The program will implement digital literacy modules created by faculty that can be incorporated within first-year courses to address uneven preparation, reduce barriers to success, and improve student confidence and resilience in academic and professional tasks. Micro-credentials will be granted for completion of modules, course-level demonstration of skills, and hands-on workshops leading to academic credit for students. Progress will be measured through completion rates, assessments, course performance, and retention data.    

Student and Learning Support (Gateway Courses)

The Student Learning Support and Gateway Success Quality Enhancement Plan focuses on strengthening student success in gateway math and English courses—key drivers of retention, graduation, and workforce readiness at Georgia Highlands College. By improving how learning support is coordinated, communicated, and embedded, this initiative builds on existing tutoring and instructional practices to help students develop foundational skills such as reading comprehension, study strategies, metacognition, and responsible use of AI. Grounded in GHC’s mission as an access institution and community partner, this QEP would aim to improve early academic momentum, support timely completion, and prepare students to contribute meaningfully to their professions and communities.

Onboarding, Orientation, and Student Readiness

The Orientation, Onboarding, and Student Readiness Quality Enhancement Plan focuses on helping students understand how college (and the college classroom) works by making expectations clear, consistent, and reinforced early in the student experience. This initiative builds on work already happening across courses, advising, and student support to reduce early confusion around systems, academic expectations, time management, and appropriate use of AI. By strengthening onboarding and classroom readiness as shared student success practices, the QEP aims to support persistence, improve early course outcomes, and help students start college with confidence. The focus is on practical, scalable strategies that enhance clarity for students while respecting faculty autonomy and existing workloads. 

Upcoming Town Halls

Tuesday, January 13, 2pm

Wednesday, January 21, 10am

Friday, January 30, 10am

(Links will be provided in emails and via GHC Inform)