Becoming a QEP Signature Course (or Exemplary Signature Course)
Once the faculty member has achieved the pathway of QEP Signature Assignment, the QEP Signature Course is the next step. QEP Signature Courses embody the essence of Enhancing the Use of Evidence. These courses have at least one QEP Signature Assignment and incorporate other criteria, as noted below. The faculty member must apply for QEP Signature Course to the QEP Assessment Committee for designation, following the QEP Signature Course Pathway.
The QEP Signature Course process will be as follows:
- A peer or supervisor identifies the course or a faculty member self-identifies their course as a candidate for a QEP Signature Course.
- Faculty member uses the QEP Signature Course rubric as a self-evaluation tool for determining if their course is ready for this designation.
- Faculty member submits their self-evaluation with a summary of evidence to QEP Manager or QEP Director. This summary, in narrative form, briefly describes how they completed the self-evaluation for their course and mentions specific items that prove their rating for each assessment measure. The self-evaluation helps the selection committee understand the course.
- The QEP Rubric Raters & Assessment Committee evaluates the course using the QEP Signature Course rubric. They can determine if the course is an exemplary signature, signature, or should be resubmitted at a future time.
- If the course scores below the designation threshold:
- The course does not yet meet the designation and can be resubmitted.
- The QEP Rubric Raters and QEP Manager provides the faculty member recommendations, comments, and rubric scores.
- The faculty member can reapply two assessment cycles later. For example, if the faculty applies during the Fall 2022 cycle and does not meet the criteria, they can reapply in the Summer 2023 cycle. This timeframe encourages course improvement.
- If the course scores above the designation threshold but scores below the exemplary threshold:
- The course becomes a QEP Signature Course or a QEP Exemplary Signature Course.
- The QEP Rubric Raters and Assessment Committee provides the faculty member recommendations, comments, and rubric scores.
- If the course scores at or above the exemplary threshold 90/100 or higher:
- The course becomes a QEP Exemplary Signature Course.
- QEP Signature Course and QEP Exemplary Signature Course designations require renewal. Faculty members should submit a narrative and self-assessment for evaluation by the Awards Committee annually. If the faculty member does not meet the following criteria, they can reapply for designation in the next assessment cycle. The renewal requires the following criteria:
- The total rubric scores 80/100 or above
The Assessment Committee reviews each applicant for the QEP Signature Course designation using the QEP Signature Course Rubric. The minimum criteria for a QEP Signature Course are:
- Courses must have at least one QEP Signature Assignment.
- The individual scales score 80/100 or higher on the QEP Signature Course rubric.
- If the QEP Rubric Raters & Assessment Committee score the course above a 90/100, the Assessment Committee can designate the course as an “Exemplary QEP Signature Course.” This course gains the opportunity to be a “Spotlight” as part of the QEP Faculty Development series and/or Faculty Convocation.
The QEP Signature Course rubric addresses the following four areas as they pertain to the 5 A’s framework:
- Learning Outcomes occur at various levels throughout the course and guide the learner through the learning process. At the class level, these lay the foundation for the unit or lecture. At the course level, these provide the framework for what students can do once completing the course. Ideally, class-level and course-level learning outcomes address each of the 5 A’s.
- Assessments are formative and summative ways a faculty member provides feedback to students as a learning tool. These evaluate to what extent a student has achieved the learning outcome(s). Exemplary assessments incorporate the 5 A’s individually and collectively.
- Assignments and Activities are opportunities for students to engage with the course content. Opportunities can be through online discussion boards, group activities, or other learning opportunities. Multiple assignments and activities that incorporate the 5 A’s together and separately are considered exemplary.
- Instructional Strategies include instructional technologies and how content is delivered and assessed. Often these provide an active learning environment with ample feedback opportunities. Strategies engaging students in individual and collective traits are ideal.
Recipients of this designation will receive recognition for their efforts with a certificate, recognition letter, and stipend. Faculty can also use this recognition to further their professional development and career growth. Examples include conference presentations, internal or external workshops, and promotion applications.