Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Topic Proposal

Title of proposed QEP: Enhancing Faculty-Student Collaboration

Description: How is the proposed topic transformative in terms of student learning? What student learning

outcomes are addressed?

Research has shown the positive results of faculty‐student interaction at all levels of education: K‐12,

college and four year institutions.

The vision is to develop programs, which increase faculty‐student collaboration. Student clubs, honor

societies and several other such campus organizations with faculty advisors are a good catalyst for such

positive faculty‐staff interaction. Faculty‐student collaboration is likely to lead to better student

academic performance and a higher rate of student retention. It is also likely to lead to life‐long

learning because it leads to higher level of confidence and self‐esteem in students.

Research has proven that faculty‐student interaction and collaboration leads to positive outcome in

context of student learning. Students feel more confident and comfortable in their learning

environment. Faculty‐student collaboration leads to the formation of support network of learning

communities, which creates an atmosphere conducive to learning.

NOVA and the VCCS system can serve as models and so can most four‐year institutions because honor

societies and student clubs already in existence. There is need for more such clubs and societies to

increase faculty‐student collaboration. Latest research continues to emphasize the importance of

faculty‐student collaboration.

Continued faculty‐student collaboration is likely to lead to positive learning environment by creating an

atmosphere of mutual trust which is likely to lead to a community of confident learners involved in a

constant exchange of knowledge and ideas. There will be a higher level reinforcement of learning

(content and skills) with an increased number of faculty‐student collaborative projects. Faculty will be

able to detect and address student learning deficiencies at early stages. Faculty‐student collaboration

will also address the issue of student preparedness by early intervention. Students will be able to

develop better social skills and effective behavior patterns in and out of the classroom, which will make

them competitive and ready for their careers. Increased faculty‐ student collaboration will lead to

learning in and out of class.

Congruence with Mission and Strategic Vision 2015:

This possible QEP is in congruence with NOVA’s mission and vision because it responds to the

educational needs of its dynamic and diverse community through an array of comprehensive programs

and services that facilitate learning and workforce development in an atmosphere of open access and

through life‐long opportunities. Faculty‐student collaboration results in education in and out of class. It

creates an atmosphere of constant learning in a healthy environment of free exchange of academic

ideas.

Method: How do you envision NOVA carrying out your proposal?

Counselors have encountered students in counseling sessions referring to unique opportunities that

came about as a result of faculty facilitating their participation (i.e., Washington D.C. Internship

Program on the Hill; PTK International Honors Society, and many others). These are the kind of

experiences that really solidify a student's education and can even impact retention and persistence.

Many of these experiences already exist throughout NVCC, but could be published in a more

comprehensive method; continued development of these unique experiences for students throughout

each department/division across NVCC and then publicized in a central location.

Assessment Plan: Address the expected outcomes and how they can be measured.

Assessment tools will need to be developed to measure a student’s satisfaction with collaborative

efforts, and how these efforts have contributed to enhanced personal development.

Resources: What kind of resources (personnel, training, technology, etc.) do you anticipate will be needed?

Faculty and staff will need to be encouraged to create and participate in activities outside of the

classroom.