How did Southwestern identify its AQIP Action Projects?

The College's original four AQIP Action Projects were identified through the Vital Focus process in 2001 and 2002. All of these projects were completed and details can be found in the Archives section of this website.

The current Action Projects resulted from a slightly different process. The AQIP Steering Committee solicited and developed action project ideas from numerous sources and constituencies. Several important sources for new projects were: the AQIP Portfolio, the Feedback Analysis that was received from the Higher Learning Commission, and SWIC's results from its participation in CCSSE.

All Action Project drafts were distributed widely within the college community, the Steering Committee received written comments, and Action Project Forums were convened on each campus to discuss the three proposed projects. Following all of this input, the projects were put into a final draft.

In April 2006, SWIC hosted its first AQIP Check-Up Onsite Visit. This provided an opportunity for the College to receive a professional external review of its proposed Action Projects. Following the conclusion of the visit, the amended Projects were officially submitted to the Higher Learning Commission.

How did the College determine the organization of its AQIP Action Plan projects?

As part of the projects' design, faculty, staff, and administrators were formed into three task force groups and charged with responsibility for implementing the three projects. As with the original projects, vice-presidents were appointed as co-chairs to assure access to resources and top-level communication.

Trustees are briefed on the progress of the project monthly through a report that the Director of Planning makes to the Board's Planning and Policy Committee. The Strategic Planning Council also reviews Action Projects' progress as a standard item on its agenda.