"Learning Like a BOSS at PCC"
What is a QEP?
The QEP, or Quality Enhancement Plan, is an initiative that outlines a new, long-term strategy chosen by a college to enhance learning for its students. It complements the college’s existing programs to improve the learning environment, strengthens student learning outcomes, and supports its mission.
The Pamlico Community College (PCC) Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), “Learning Like a BOSS at PCC: Boosting Online Student Success (BOSS),” is the result of a comprehensive and collaborative effort to identify student needs and enhance student learning. Mirroring state and national trends predating COVID-19, from 2015-16 to 2019-20, total course enrollments in online classes at PCC rose from 1,278 to 1,902–a 48.8% increase (NCCCS, 2020). Simultaneously, students in online courses have had lower success (as measured by A/B/C/P grade and average course grade) and a higher withdrawal rate.
Following a multi-year topic selection and development process involving focus groups, surveys, research, presentations, and dialogue with stakeholders inside and outside the college, the QEP committee established three desired outcomes.
- Increase success rate (A/B/C/P) of online courses 10% above baseline.
- Increase average course grade of online courses 10% above baseline.
- Decrease withdrawal rate of online courses 10% below baseline.
QEP Outcomes
The QEP sets forth three specific action plans to achieve these outcomes, with each focused on an essential element foundational to online learning: the student, faculty, and student-faculty engagement.
Action Plan 1 [student] The college will use an internal PCC Online Readiness Assessment to determine appropriate online course placement. Those students identified as being at-risk will engage in a college-level intervention orientation with specific learning outcomes related to online learning, technology requirements, LMS navigation, and other success characteristics. Further, all online courses will contain a START HERE orientation module that engages students early in the term with course-specific learning outcomes related to instructor communication requirements, technical support, course design, and initial assignments.
Action Plan 2 [faculty] All online faculty will engage in a seven-part Quality Matters (QM) program that leads to earning the QM Teaching Online Certificate. This professional development sequence will provide additional support to instructors as they work through three certification levels based on successful evaluations using an internal PCC Online Course Quality Rubric that includes QM criteria for high-quality online courses.
Action Plan 3 [student-faculty engagement] All online faculty will provide students with a minimum of two hours each week for an opportunity to engage in synchronous communication via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Additionally, instructors of higher enrollment, lower success online courses will use a proportion of this time to hold synchronous class sessions.
While implementing these actions will rely on existing structures and personnel, the college will provide the necessary resources to ensure the plan’s administration. “Learning Like a BOSS at PCC” supports the college’s mission in providing an accessible education through quality teaching and support. As the number of online courses continues to grow, maximizing their success is will have an even more significant impact on our community.
How can I learn more about PCC’s QEP “Learning Like a BOSS at PCC”?
Contact Lakissha Voliva
lvoliva@pamlicocc.edu
252-249-1851 x3046
Delamar, Room 102E