What is a QEP?

Tougaloo College Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focuses on advancing student learning through enhancement of critical thinking and analytical reasoning.

The development of the QEP represents an effort which began mind 2005 with the appointment of the QEP Steering Committee. Since that time, focus group sessions were held with students, faculty, staff, deans, administrators, alumni, members of the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees, and community representatives. As a result of these focus group sessions, the QEP Steering Committee identified and developed three potential themes. Ultimately, the final theme was selected by a combination of focus group sessions and surveys from students, faculty, staff and administration. The QEP refined the final theme selection with approval by the President of Tougaloo College, Dr. Beverly W. Hogan. The selected theme for Tougaloo College’s Quality Enhancement Plan is “Advancing Student Learning Through Enhancement of Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning.”

The QEP steering committee and QEP subcommittees participated in an intensive, collaborative full day retreat to develop the framework for the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan.

From this collaborative effort, a QEP mission statement beginning with the College’s mission and vision statements was developed and approved.

QEP Mission Statement:

The theme selected for Tougaloo College’s QEP is Advancing Student Learning Through Enhancement of Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning. The mission statement developed to support this theme is found below:

Students will actively demonstrate critical thinking proficiency. Critical thinking proficiency includes analytical skills related to ethical and moral values, social issues and responsibility, and the students chosen field of study.

Critical thinking skills in ethical and moral values are evidenced by the ability to challenge, question and reassess the tenants of conventional thinking.

Critical thinking skills in social issues and responsibility are evidenced by students demonstrated ability to understand complex social issues and provide leadership in formulating solutions.

Critical thinking skills in the students chosen field of study are evidenced by ability to critically read, research and appropriately document findings related to their academic major.

College Mission and Vision Statements:

Mission Statement

Tougaloo College is a private, coeducational, historically black, liberal arts institution, accessible to all persons regardless of race, ethnic origin, religion or creed. The College prepares students to be imaginative, self-directed, lifelong learners and mindful thinkers, committed to leadership and services in a global society by offering a high quality liberal studies program.

Founded in 1869, by the American Missionary Association, Tougaloo College was chartered on the principles that “it be accessible to all irrespective of their religious tenets and conducted on the most liberal principles for the benefit of our citizens in general.”

Tougaloo College acknowledges and respects its traditions, remains dedicated to the equality of all people, and continues to be a value-oriented community where students are guided by a concerned faculty and staff. The members of this community apply current knowledge to prepare students for lifelong learning related to new information and emerging technologies, as well as human standards in a global society.

Tougaloo College offers an undergraduate curriculum designed to encourage students to apply critical thought to all areas of life; to acquire a basic knowledge of the humanities, the natural sciences and the social sciences; to develop skills required in selected professions; and to provide leadership in a democratic society and in a changing world.

Tougaloo intends that its students become self-directed learners and self-reliant persons capable of dealing with people, challenges and issues. Tougaloo College intends to contribute to the social, health and educational needs of the local and state communities through a program of community service.

Vision Statement

Tougaloo College is an enduring and nurturing community that values lifelong learning. Our trademarks are academic excellence and social commitment. We prepare our students to produce the “next new idea” and to become the servant-leaders who will effect order and change in a global society by incorporating new technologies, practice and knowledge into our teaching, service and research.