As a first step in identifying a topic for Tougaloo College’s Quality Enhancement Plan focus groups were held beginning Fall 2006 and continuing through Summer 2007.  All stakeholders were invited to attend one or more of these focus groups.  Participants included students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and Board of Trustees.  From these focus groups various top issues were identified, including critical thinking; analytical reasoning; student engagement; internationalization/ globalization; community service; student engagement in learning; academic climate for student learning; innovative teaching, research and learning strategies; and, imaginative ways to use technology.  From this list, three themes were identified as potential QEP topics. 

• “Advancing Student Learning Through Enhancement of Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning”
• “Student Engagement and Inter-nationalization of the Curriculum to Enhance Student Learning Outcomes”
• “Improving Student Learning Through Community Service.”

These themes were presented to faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni and Board of Trustees for final selection.  “Advancing Student Learning Through Enhancement of Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning” was selected as the College’s QEP theme.