Every 10 years as part of its reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Gordon State College has the opportunity to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan - a plan to significantly improve student learning and success through a college-wide, multi-year initiative.

Gordon's QEP, "First Things First: Increasing Mastery in Quantitative and Communication Skills" is designed to put "first things first" by improving student learning in College Algebra and English Composition. Also part of the QEP is the creation of a unit of Gordon's First Year Experience course which will reinforce behaviors that lead to academic success. The plan also includes a professional development component for faculty and tutors.

"The process of reaffirmation provides Gordon State College the opportunity to step back and examine what we do well, what we need to improve and how we can positively impact our students," said Gordon State College President Max Burns. "Because it focuses solely on improving student learning, the QEP is the creative, energizing aspect of Gordon's SACSCOC reaccreditation process, one that engages the full college community."

The QEP will be fully implemented over five years but, according to Dr. Burns, will continue to strengthen the academic foundation of the students of Gordon State College for many years to come.