What's Your Big Idea?

Have you ever imagined how you might improve the quality of student learning at James Madison University? Now's your chance. We're looking for big ideas for JMU's Quality Enhancement Plan.

Every ten years, the university undergoes a reaffirmation of accreditation process through the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A major component of the reaffirmation process is the development of a Quality Enhancement Plan.

"We have considerable flexibility on choosing the topic of our Quality Enhancement Plan," said JMU President Linwood H. Rose. "But there are some parameters. First of all the QEP needs to be about something of strategic interest to the university. Secondly, it has a life of its own, that is, it runs for three to five years before we accomplish all of our objectives. And lastly and most importantly, the focus of the QEP needs to be on enhancing student learning."

Open to all members of the JMU community, the QEP process allows anyone to submit a brief proposal aimed at enhancing the quality of learning across the institution. Several proposals with promise will be funded for further development in the coming months. During the summer of 2011, one proposal will be chosen and implemented with funding and administrative support over a five-year period.

Proposals will be accepted until January 15, 2011. Visit www.jmu.edu/qep to find out more. The site is full of useful information and includes a form to submit your QEP proposal electronically. I strongly encourage anyone with an idea to participate.

If you have any questions, e-mail qep@jmu.edu.