Faculty Perceptions of the Quality Enhancement Plan in a US Public Doctoral University with Highest Research Activity: A Case Study

The purpose of this case study was to explore faculty members’ perceptions of the QEP in a public doctoral university with highest research activity. Particularly, the study explored how faculty members perceive the role of the QEP in student learning and institutional effectiveness, the relevance of the QEP activities in student learning and institutional effectiveness, and how faculty members’ involvement with the accreditation process associated with their perceptions of the QEP. The study design was a qualitative single case study and data were collected from the Quality Enhancement Plan Questionnaire (QEPQ), face-to-face interviews, and documents. Findings revealed that faculty members perceived the QEP as an ambitious and important, necessity-driven process that is focused on globalization. Faculty members’ perceptions of the QEP’s role in institutional effectiveness included: (a) emphasizing the university identity, (b) increased reputation, (c) promoting international research collaboration, (d) bureaucracy, (e) cost-effectiveness, and (f) need for institutional conversation. In regards to their perceptions of the QEP’s role in student learning, faculty members believed that the QEP enhanced the curriculum and helped globally oriented students to compete in the workplace. The study findings also indicated that the QEP activities were relevant to student global experiences such as study abroad program and second language learning programs. Faculty members indicated that the QEP is more relevant to their focus on teaching and learning and that their involvement with the accreditation process contributed to a better awareness of the QEP. The findings from this study have implications for higher education quality practice and research