Welcome to the Southern Miss Office of Quality Enhancement

In its Principles of Accreditation, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools affirms that “the concept of quality enhancement is at the heart of the Commission’s philosophy of accreditation.”  Indeed, quality enhancement is at the heart of higher education.  It is why we conduct research, why we teach, why we serve, and why we learn.  As part of the reaffirmation process, SACS Core Requirement 2.12 requires every institution to develop and implement a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).  A QEP, as defined by SACS, is “a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses a well-defined topic or issue related to enhancing student leaning” through an institutional initiative.

The University of Southern Mississippi selected Finding a Voice: Improving Oral and Written Competencies as its QEP topic based on assessment findings and input from faculty and staff across the University.  In December 2006, The University of Southern Mississippi was granted reaffirmation of its accreditation with no conditions.  This announcement was made just weeks after Finding a Voice received the 2006 IHL Award for Best Practice in the academic category.

The work of the QEP continues.  SACS requires every QEP to submit a five-year impact report showing the continuation of the plan’s implementation and the effect it has had on student learning.  We persist in our commitment to improving the writing and speaking competencies of our students during this five-year time span – and beyond.

For more information, please contact the Office of Quality Enhancement.

Location and Contact Information

Julie Howdeshell, Director
118 College Drive #10046, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406-0001
Telephone: (601) 266-4525
Fax: (601) 266-4443
International Center, Suite 517, Room 518
E-mail: qep@usm.edu

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” – Willa Foster