University Action Plans

These plans are in development; below are the current plans being discussed by the Development Committee.

1. Purchase of vans and financial support of travel for academic purposes (local and state-to-state). In order to introduce students to more local areas, we request the purchase of two 15-passenger vans. These vans would be available only for taking students on academic trips: field trips, conferences, and events that enhance an academic program. The purpose is to facilitate travel for students within the Southeastern United States. Use of the vans would be subject to review by the QEP coordinator or team. If requests for the use of these vans become overwhelming, a competitive program could be developed.

2. Development of an on-line “Windows to the World” module for UNIV 1000. This on-line component would be integrated into the existing UNIV 1000 course without the need for the individual instructors to add any material to the in-class course. This module would introduce the students to the idea of the QEP, its rationale and importance to the student as well as to GSW. There would be a survey pre-test that would gather data for QEP assessment. In addition, students would have the opportunity to interact with people from around GA, the US, and the world. Students would learn about other areas and the problems and opportunities that people from other places encounter. The global experience could be developed in a discipline specific manner such that, for instance, biology majors interact with a medical school in South America, chemistry students interact with a laboratory in Scotland, etc.

3. Development of a competitive scholarship for students for distance (including international) travel. Two scholarships ($2000) could be awarded per year based on an application packet that must be completed by the student and faculty or staff advisor. These awards would be intended for travel to academically enriching programs or events and must be tied to improvement of SLOs.

4. Teaching Circle for development or enhancement of programs targeting QEP SLOs. The

5. Mini-grants for implementation of developments or enhancements to programs

6. Support and enhancement of current programs such as the film series and international day/week.

7. Maps -- focus on a single building perhaps history classroom and hallways

8. "My home" videos for new station and internet. We want to prepare short (30 second) spots on our GSW community members who come from outside of Sumter County.

9. Lecture series. We would invite persons who have travelled as part of the QEP to speak to the University and community. Also, we would invite members of Habitat for Humanity and CaféCampesino to present in this series.

10. New York Times EVERYWHERE. The New York Times has a program that provides speakers for universities that incorporate the reading of the NYT in academic situations.

The Windows to the World Development Committee welcomes input from all constituencies: University staff, administration, faculty, students, and the Americus/Sumter County Community. To leave feedback, please contact us via QEP@gsw.edu or contact individual committee members.